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THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
FRANKLIN'S COLLEGE

THIS LIMITED EDITION HAS BEEN PRINTED
FROM TYPE AND THE TYPE DISTRIBUTED

THE OLD COLLEGE TOWER

THE UNIVERSITY
OF PENNSYLVANIA

FRANKLIN'S COLLEGE

BEING SOME ACCOUNT OF ITS
BEGINNINGS AND DEVELOPMENT
ITS CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS
AND ITS GIFTS TO THE NATION

BY
HORACE MATHER LIPPINCOTT

Alumni Secretary and Editor of "The Alumni Register"; Author of "Early

Philadelphia: Its People, Life and Progress"; "George Washington

and the University of Pennsylvania"; Joint Author of

"The Colonial Homes of Philadelphia"

WITH 22 ILLUSTRATIONS FROM DRAWINGS
BY EDWIN F. BAYHA AND FROM PRINTS

PHILADELPHIA fcf LONDON

J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY

1919

PRINTED BT J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY

AT THE WASHINGTON SQUARE PRESS

PHILADELPHIA, U. 9. A.

NINETY-SEVEN

Volenti nil difficile

464060

FOREWORD

THE history of our venerable University
has never been written. During the
178 years since its origin its career
has been full of a romance and useful-
ness that has touched every part of our country's
progress. It has been more varied and distin-
guished, perhaps, than the history of any of our
Colonial Colleges. To describe this in intimate
detail would fill many volumes, but the story has
been set down in this book in what is hoped will
prove a convenient and readable form.

Our University had its origin among a number
of plain citizens of Philadelphia who organized
themselves in 1740 to found and build a Charity
School upon broad, catholic lines. The greatest
of all Americans, Benjamin Franklin, put it into
proper form and gave it being. In his plan for the
school he urged useful things and he secured the
active interest of the most useful, influential and
trusted citizens to serve upon its Board of Trustees.
So, as our motto indicates, character building has
been the chief aim of the institution from its
origin.

The fortunate position of Alumni Secretary
has brought to me many records, accounts and

FOREWORD

traditions of early life at the College which it
seemed to me should be gathered into permanent
form. Indebtedness to many individuals is ac-
knowledged in the text; in addition I wish to thank
Provost Edgar F. Smith, Charles M. Burns,
'59, Charles Gilpin, '64, Beauveau Borie, '65,
Ewing Jordan, '68, Samuel W. Pennypacker, '66,
Charles W. Dulles, '70, Edward W. Mumford, '89,
Harry C. Thayer, '92, John Blakeley, '95, Charles
C, Harrison, '62, Thomas B. Donaldson, '99,
Charles J. Stille, "The History of the University,"
by Thomas H. Montgomery, and the records of
The General Alumni Society.

HORACE MATHER LIPPINCOTT
CHESTNUT HILL, PENNSYLVANIA
APRIL, 1919

CONTENTS

I. THE STORY OF AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY 13

II. THE PROVOSTS 79

III. THE SEAL, THE COLOURS, THE CHEER AND THE

SONGS 112

IV. UNDERGRADUATE CUSTOMS 138

V. UNIVERSITY CHARACTERS 160

VI. ATHLETICS 178

VII. To THE NATION 208

VIII. THE ALUMNI 241

ILLUSTRATIONS

PACK

The Old College Tower Frontispiece

The Charity School, Academy and College on Fourth

Street Below Arch Street 14

House Built for President Washington, Southwest Cor-
ner Ninth and Market Streets 14

The First Medical Building of the University 31

The Medical School 35

Entrance to the Law School on Thirty-Fourth Street. . . 45
The University on Ninth Street Below Market, 1829 to

1873 62

Back of College and Houston Halls 71

'73*8 Gate, Hamilton Walk 78

'72*8 Gate and the Provost's Tower on Spruce Street. . . 88

Vista on Thirty-Third Street 109

'93*3 Gate and Houston Hall on Spruce Street 115

Dormitory Archway 133

Thomas Penn House of the Dormitories 141

The "Little Quad" of the Dormitories 149

An Early Commencement Program — 1856 152

Mock Program of 1856 Commencement Exercises 152

Program of Commencement at a Critical Time— 1863 . 154

The Gymnasium and Franklin Field 178

Northwest corner of the "Big Quad" 196

Entrance to the Dental School on Spruce Street 210

The Museum Courtyard 227

THE UNIVERSITY
OF PENNSYLVANIA

FRANKLIN'S COLLEGE

CHAPTER I

THE STORY OF AMERICA'S FIRST
UNIVERSITY

THE Province of Pennsylvania was foun-
ded and settled because of religious
persecution, and the movement which
developed into the University of Penn-
sylvania, begun in Philadelphia in 1740, had a
like origin.

It was a time of intense religious feeling and
very appropriate for a visit from the most cele-
brated evangelist of his day, George Whitefield,
who arrived in 1739 on his way to his parish at
Savannah, Georgia. Whitefield was but twenty-
four years old, but as a preacher had already out-
stripped his, brethren of the Episcopal Church.
When he was ordained and preached his first
sermon in Gloucester Cathedral complaint was
made to the bishop that fifteen people had been
driven mad by it. The bishop was, however, a
loyal and vigourous soul and merely replied that
he hoped the madness might not be forgotten
before another Sunday.

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Whitefield's ministry lasted four and thirty
years and during this time he preached eighteen
thousand times. His eloquence and the power of
his voice were notable, and Franklin wrote of him
to a friend, "I knew him intimately for upwards
of thirty years. His integrity, disinterestedness,
and indefatigable zeal in prosecuting every good
work, I have never seen equalled, and shall never see
excelled." He adds that Whitefield used sometimes
to pray for his conversion, " but never had the satis-
faction of believing that his prayers were heard."

Whitefield's vigour, directness and the way
he denounced ecclesiasticism and frivolity soon
caused the doors of Christ Church and St. Peter's
to be closed to him, and the crowds that assembled
to hear him were too great for any house in the
city, so that a movement was set on foot by a
number of plain persons of various denominations
to provide a building which would accommodate
the people and protect them from the weather.
Franklin was foremost in the work and tells us
that sufficient sums were soon received to procure
the ground on Fourth Street below Arch and to
erect the building, which was 100 feet long and
70 broad, "about the size of Westminster Hall."
The work was carried on with such spirit that
Whitefield preached in it in November, 1740.
There was another purpose which the trustees of
this building had in mind and which appears in

THE CHARITY SCHOOL, ACADEMY AND COLLEGE
ON FOURTH STREET BELOW ARCH STREET
1'he "New Building" of 1740 and the College
Dormitories

HOUSE BUILT FOR PRESIDENT WASHINGTON,
SOUTHWEST CORNER NINTH AND MARKET
STREETS

Occupied by the University 1802-1829

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

their advertisement in July of 1740 where they
say it is "for a charity school for the instruction of
poor children, gratis, in useful literature and the
knowledge of the Christian religion." Their
proposal ran thus:

"Proposed Advertisement of the Charity School of
Philadelphia, 1740. — " Advertisement,

It has pleased Almighty God of his infinite Goodness
and Mercy in these latter Days to visit with his Holy Spirit
the Hearts and Minds of many professing Christianity in
this as well as diverse other Parts of the World however
divided or distinguished in denomination or Interest, so as
to make them lay aside Bigottry and party Zeal and unite
their endeavours to promote the truly Noble Interest of the
Kingdom of the Blessed Jesus.

With this View it hath been thought proper to erect a
large building for a Charity School for the Instruction of
Poor Children Gratis in useful Literature and the Knowledge
of the Christian Religion and also for a House of Publick
Worship in this Place being insufficient to contain the
great Numbers who convene on such Occasions And it being
Impracticable to meet in the open Air at all Times of the
Year because of the inclemency of the Weather.

"It is agreed that the use of the aforesaid School and
House of Religious Worship be under the direction of certain
Trustees Viz

and other persons to be appointed by them who in Case
of the Decease of one of their Number are to choose by
a Majority of their Votes one other fit Person to succeed
to his Place and so from Time to Time as often as any of the
before named Trustees or others so as to be chosen shall dye
the Place of such deced Trustees shall be supplyed by the
Votes of a Majority of the Surviving Trustees.

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

"Which Trustees before named and hereafter to be
chosen are from time to Time to appoint fit and able School
Masters and School Mistresses and introduce such Protes-
tant Ministers as they judge to be Sound in principle ac-
quainted with experimental Religion in their own Hearts
and faithful in their Practise without regard to those dis-
tinctions or different sentiments in lesser matters which have
unhappily divided real Christians.

"These are therefore to give Notice to all Charitable
Persons who are inclined to encourage the undertaking that
the Building is actually begun under the direction of

and the foundation laid on a Lot of ground (late of Jonathan
Price and Mary his Wife who have generously contributed)
Situate near Mulberry Street in the City of Philada where
Materials for the Building will be received as also Subscrip-
tions for Money and Work taken in by the underwritten
persons.

Philada July 1740"

The undertaking was naturally in the hands
of persons with no strong sectarian feelings and
they thought it a good opportunity to supply
also the lack in educational facilities for the poor.
The advertisement of July indicates a previous
association, but the deed for the ground and build-
ing was not executed until September 15, 1740,
when Edmund Woolley, carpenter, John Coats,
brickmaker, John Howell, mariner, and William
Price, carpenter, were named as the legal repre-
sentatives of the subscribers, whose names are
unknown. These made a deed of trust November

14, 1740, engaging to hold the property subject to

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

the direction of certain "Trustees for the Uses"
who were also to have the power to direct a trans-
fer of the property to others. The Trustees for
the Uses were George Whitefield, of Georgia,
William Seward, of London, Thomas Noble,
Merchant, New York, John Stephen Benezet.
Merchant, Samuel Hazard, Merchant, Robert
Eastburn, Blacksmith, James Read, Gent., Ed-
ward Evans, Cordwainer, and Charles Brockden,
Gent., of Philadelphia. The, indenture defines the
object of the trust in the very words of the adver-
tisement of July, 1740.

As one of the Trustees, Whitefield was com-
missioned to select a master and a mistress for the
Charity School. What measure of success was
attained for this school has never been positively
determined, but it is the clause which was incor-
porated word for word in the deed to the Trustees
of the Academy in 1749 that connects the Univer-
sity with the origin of 1740.

Franklin's first proposal for a "compleat ed-
ucation of youth" was mentioned in 1743, but it
was not until his publication of "Proposals rela-
ting to the Education of Youth in Pennsylvania,"
1749, that the idea took the form of a definite
prospectus, which he distributed freely among the
principal inhabitants. It is well to note his de-
parture from the common practice of the time of

emphasizing the usual classical education, in his
2 17

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

particular mention of the importance of keeping
our mother tongue foremost in the aims of the in-
stitution. He was ahead of his time also in urging
that as "art is long, and their time is short" they
"learn those things that are likely to be the most
useful and most ornamental; regard being had to
the several professions forwhich they are intended."
Also "that to keep them in Health, and to strengthen
and render active their Bodies, they be frequently
exercised in Running, Leaping, Wrestling, and
Swimming, etc."

Franklin was ably seconded by Dr. Richard
Peters, afterward rector of Christ Church and St.
Peter's. Franklin wanted him to organize and
head the Academy in 1743, but he declined. He
became President of the Board of Trustees in 1756
and was the leading spirit during Franklin's long
absences abroad.

It may be well to name the 24 gentlemen who
associated themselves to carry this project into
being. They were:

James Logan, Esquire
Thomas Lawrence, Esquire
William Allen, Esquire
John Inglis, Merchant
Tench Francis, Esquire
William Masters, Esquire
Lloyd Zachary, Practitioner in Physic
Samuel McCall, Jr., Merchant
Joseph Turner, Esquire
18

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

Benjamin Franklin, Printer

Thomas Leech, Merchant

William Shippen, Practitioner in Physic

Robert Strettell, Esquire

Philip Syng, Silversmith

Charles Willing, Esquire

Phineas Bond, Practitioner in Physic

Thomas Hopkinson, Esquire

William Plumsted, Esquire

Joshua Maddox, Esquire

Thomas White, Esquire

William Coleman, Merchant

Abram Taylor, Esquire

Richard Peters, Esquire

Thomas Bond, Practitioner in Physic

Thus they are named and described in the
deed of conveyance of the property on Fourth
Street and in their first Minutes. They were the
most talented, richest and influential men in the
Province.

In taking over the "New Building," as it was
called when erected for Whitefield, the conveyors
dictated a continuance of their original purpose of
the Charity School and in each of the Charters
granted to the institution this has been continued,
forming an unbroken connection back to 1740.
The original Trustees, besides, contributed a con-
siderable amount ol the money for the Academy of
1749 at tne time of the transfer of their property.

The first meeting of the new subscribers was
held at Robert's Coffee House, February I, 1750,

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

when Messrs. Benezet, Hazard, Eastburn, Read,
and Evans directed their associates, Edmund
Wooley and John Coats, to make the deed convey-
ing the property on Fourth Street near Arch to the
new Trustees.

Franklin wanted the Rev. Samuel Johnson, of
Stratford, Connecticut, to head the Academy and
journeyed thence to persuade him, but in vain,
and David Martin, M.A., was chosen Rector to
start the undertaking. He died in 1751 and Fran-
cis Allison was chosen in his place "upon Trial."

In the Academy there were then "schools"
after the example of some foreign Universities-
one for Latin — one for English — one for Mathe-
matics. Dr. Francis Allison, who afterward be-
came a Presbyterian Minister of eminence and
Vice-Provost of the College for nearly 25 years,
was Rector of the Academy, and Master of the
Latin School; David James Dove was Master of
the English School; and Theophilus Grew was
Master of the Mathematical School. These
masters were aided by Ushers or Tutors, one of
whom, Charles Thompson, afterward became the
distinguished Secretary of the Continental Con-
gress. There was also the Charity School and,
when Dr. Smith came, the Philosophy School
under his care.

David James Dove, the English Master at
this time, deserves mention, for he was one of the

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

characters of the time. Alexander Graydon, who
was a pupil under him, tells us that he was much
celebrated as a teacher both at his own school,
kept in Videll's Alley, and in the Academy. It was
his practice to substitute disgrace lor corporal
punishment and he rarely used his birch in the
usual way. It was, however, stuck into the back
part of the collar of the culprit who was compelled
to stand at the top of the form with this badge
of disgrace towering from his nape. When his
scholars were late he would send a committee of
boys for them with a lighted lantern and a bell to
escort them through the streets to their class-room.
He was fair about it and one day when late himself
subjected himself good humoredly to the same
treatment on the part of his watchful pupils. He
tried to conduct a girl's school of his own in addi-
tion to his duties at the Academy and so lost his
position, for the Trustees were not lenient then as
to a division of allegiance in the Faculty.

The only reference to the doings of the boys of
those days is in the formal minutes of the Trustees
in the entry of I5th of November, 1752, "Agreed
that a small Ladder be bought, to be always at
hand for the Conveniency of Mending the Win-
dows," but Graydon gives some account of their
pranks while he was a student.

He tells in his memoirs of his entry into the
College and how he was compelled at the out-

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

set reluctantly to fight a battle with one John
Appowen in order to establish his claim to the
honour of being an Academy boy. He was de-
feated, but was acknowledged to have behaved
well and not unworthily, so that he had no more
battles imposed upon him.

John Beveridge, a native of Scotland, was
the Latin master at this time and made a free
use of the rattan and ferule. The boys imposed
upon him, and one actually twitched off his wig
under the pretense of brushing a spider from it.
The poor man could only exclaim, "Hoot, mon!"
The worst prank, however, that Graydon relates
is the sudden darkening of the room by boys on
the outside closing the shutters soon after the
master had entered and before he reached his
place. From the utter darkness came "the
most hideous yells that can be conceived" and
all the books available were hurled at the head of
the astonished preceptor. He groped and crawled
to the door, attained light and returned to a
death-like silence. Every boy was at his lesson.
After several days of this Graydon says the Fac-
ulty interfered and decreed most exemplary pun-
ishment for those who were caught. He tells, in
striking contrast, of the sterling qualities and
dignity and the respect in which the students held
Patrick Alison, later chaplain to the Continental
Congress; James Wilson, professor of English,

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

founder of the Law School and Justice of the
Supreme Court of the United States in after years,
and John Andrews, later Provost. Boys were
boys in those days, too, it seems, although their
appearance and stilted writings have often caused
us to regard them as more serious and dignified
than our present Freshmen.

Graydon's account of early athletics is so
interesting that it should be quoted :

My course was much shortened by the removal to
my mother's who had taken a house in Arch Street, facing
the Friends' burying ground. The first lads that were placed
with her were two brothers, the sons of a Colonel Lewis, of
Virginia. The younger, named Samuel, . . . had the attrac-
tions of a pleasing countenance and great gentleness of
manners. . . . There was not a boy in the school in whose
welfare and competitions I took so decided an interest; the
ardor of which was in almost perpetual requisition, from the
circumstance of his being a champion in the gymnastic exer-
cise of running, which was then the rage. The enthusiasm
of the turf had pervaded the Academy, and the most ex-
travagant transports of that theatre on the triumph of a
favorite horse were not more zealous and impassioned
than were the acclamations which followed the victor in a
foot-race around a square. Stripped to the shirt, and
accoutred for the heat by a handkerchief bound round the
head, another round the middle, with loosened knee-bands,
without shoes, or with moccasins instead of them, the racers
were started; and turning to the left around the corner of
Arch Street, they encompassed the square in which the
Academy stands, while the most eager spectators, in imita-
tion of those who scour across the course at a horse race,
scampered over the church burying ground to Fifth Street,
in order to see the state of the runners as they passed, and

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

to ascertain which was likely to be foremost, on turning
Market Street corner. The four sides of this square cannot
be much less than three-quarters of a mile; wherefore, bottom
in the coursers was no less essential than swiftness, and in
both Lewis bore away the palm from every one that dared
enter against him. After having, in a great number of
matches, completely triumphed over the Academy, other
schools were resorted to for racers; but all in vain — Lewis
was the Eclipse that distanced every competitor, the swift-
footed Achilles, against the vigorous agility of whose straight
and well-proportioned form the long-legged stride of the
overgrown and the nimble step of the dapper were equally
unavailing.

Again the Trustees' Minutes tell us of their
trouble with youthful spirits, for on the 2nd of
February, 1773, they say " several Things are want-
ing" and begin by naming the playing of Truant
and going about the streets in improper Company.
Then they say "The Bell, morning and afternoon,
rings a Quarter of an hour, or Twenty minutes;
during which Time, the Boys are running over the
Benches in the Schools, and up and down the Stairs
in a very rude manner; none of the Masters or
Ushers coming into the Schools, till after the Ring-
ing of the Bell is finished."

A notable addition to the Faculty upon Mr.
Dove's retirement in 1753 was that of Ebenezer
Kinnersley, who was chosen "Professor of the
English Tongue and of Oratory." It was, how-
ever, for his proficiency in electricity that he be-
came best known, and much of Franklin's repu-

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

tation for his discoveries in the new wonder is
attributed to him.

In 1753 Governor Thomas Penn gave the
institution a Charter under the name of "The
Trustees of the Academy and Charitable School
in the Province of Pennsylvania" and there was
much rejoicing among both Trustees and Pupils,
the latter delivering several declamations in Latin
to celebrate the event.

The Academy was growing and soon the
necessity of enlarging its sphere was apparent.

The publication of a scheme for an ideal
"College of Mirania" by William Smith, who had
been educated at the University of Aberdeen,
attracted much attention in 1752, and in enclosing
a copy to Franklin the author inquired about the
placing of his pupils in the Philadelphia Academy.
The correspondence led to a visit and finally to the
choice of William Smith as Provost of the College
in 1755. The career of this remarkable man was
long and distinguished. It is to his skillful man-
agement that the rise and success of the Univer-
sity must be attributed. The plan of his ideal
"College of Mirania," which he endeavoured to
put into practice, was a step in advance in educa-
tion, and the courses of study which he first incul-
cated have formed the basis for nearly all Ameri-
can Colleges. These advanced ideas were in har-
mony with those of Franklin and his associates, so

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

that the modern theory of American education
had its beginnings at Philadelphia nearly a hun-
dred years before it was established in any other
community in the country. Dr. Smith was elo-
quent, forcible and courageous. He drew up the
new Charter of 1755 incorporating the College,
which name was added to the title, still including
the "Charity School" of 1740.

In the agitated times that followed, during
the wars with the French, the Provost, Dr. Smith,
opposed so vehemently the non-resistance policy
of the Assembly of Pennsylvania that by an arbi-
trary stretch of power he was thrown into prison.
In faithfulness to his duties as Provost, however,
he received his classes at the windows of his gaol,
at Third and Market Streets, and continued his
instructions to them there while still a prisoner.
Finally he was set at liberty, for the purpose of
going to England to make a personal appeal to the
King, and his kindly reception there was not
lessened by the strain to which his loyalty at home
had been put. Oxford conferred on him the degree
of Doctor of Divinity. On his return home so
highly did his fellow-citizens rate his influence
abroad that, when in 1761 the Trustees were hard
beset, they sent him back to England to raise funds
for an endowment. It happened that King's
College (now Columbia) in New York was in sim-
ilar straits, and had resolved on similar efforts.

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

The two commissioners met in England and ami-
cably resolved to " divide the land between them"
and share the proceeds. Through the influence of
the Archbishop of Canterbury they received a
circular letter from the King to all the churches,
and succeeded in raising a very considerable en-
dowment for each College. David Garrick gave a
benefit in Drury Lane which netted a good sum,
and altogether Dr. Smith raised at home and
abroad £20,000 for his College, from 12,000 people.
The members of the first class became more
than usually distinguished. Francis Hopkinson
was one of the most prominent patriots of the
Revolutionary War, was a member of Congress
and Assembly, a Judge, and a signer of the Decla-
ration of Independence. He was a musician and
writer of ability, in fact the most prolific writer of
both prose and verse ever graduated from the
College. He became a trustee in 1778 and his
family has been prominently identified with the
institution to the present day. Jacob Duche be-
came Rector of Christ Church and St. Peter's and
was the first chaplain of the Continental Congress.
John Adams, writing of the opening of the Congress,
says that Duche "struck out into an extemporary
prayer, which filled the bosom of every man pres-
ent." But when the British entered Philadelphia
in 1777 his patriotism left him and he begged
Washington to conclude a peace. He was the

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

first alumnus to become a Trustee, which he did in
1761, and ably seconded the plans of the Provost.

Paul Jackson was the first to receive a degree
from the College of Philadelphia, became Professor
of Languages, and died at the early age of 36 years.

James Latta was a Tutor in the College both
before and after graduation and became Clerk to
the Trustees. He entered the Presbyterian min-
istry and received the degree of Doctor of Divinity
from his Alma Mater in 1799.

Samuel Magaw, who entered the ministry of
the Anglican Church, was Vice-Provost for a short
time.

John Morgan was the founder of our Medical
School and will be mentioned later.

Hugh Williamson became a Presbyterian
Minister, Professor of Mathematics and an ardent
supporter of the Proprietary party in Pennsylvania.
His health prevented his continuing any stated
duties, and he began the practice of medicine after
two years' study abroad. His attainments in sci-
ence were widely recognized at home and abroad.
During the Revolution he became Chief of the
Medical Department of North Carolina and later a
member of the Assembly of that State. He was a
member of the Constitutional Convention and the
first Congress.

The beginning of American drama was work-
ing in the College, and in 1757 Francis Hopkinson

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

tells us that "Ever since the Foundation of the
College and Academy in this City the Improve-
ment of the Youth in Oratory and correct speaking
has always been considered as an essential Branch
of their Education." He tells us of the success
that has attended the oratorical exercises, the
youth having "delivered proper Speeches" and
acted parts before large audiences. The develop-
ment was rapid and soon a whole dramatic piece
was demanded. This laudable ambition was en-
couraged by the Professors as an easier method of
teaching pronunciation. They had some difficulty,
we find, in choosing an "English Performance"
which would include a large number of speakers,
exalt the sentiments, engage the passions and better
the hearts of the youth. The " Masque of Alfred,"
by Mr. Thompson and Mr. Mallet, was chosen,
representing the redemption of England from the
cruelties of the Danish invasion, and was adapted
by Mr. Hopkinson so as to eliminate the female
parts and put their words into other mouths.
Hymns, "Pieces of Music" and a Prologue and
Epilogue were added by Mr. Hopkinson and the
whole presented several times during the Christ-
mas Holidays of 1756 in one of the apartments
of the College "as an Oratorical Exercise, by a
Sett of young gentlemen." Mr. Hopkinson says
the town was entertained, there were crowded,
discerning and applauding audiences, and each

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

speaker, young and old, "acquired Honor in his
Part." It was repeated in January, 1757, before
Lord Loudon and the Governors of several of the
Colonies who were in Philadelphia consulting upon
plans for common resistance to the Indians who
were then ravaging the western frontiers.

It was this performance that inspired Thomas
Godfrey, Jr., a pupil of Provost William Smith,
to write the first American play ever publicly acted
in the Colonies. It was a strictly moral drama
entitled the "Prince of Parthia," and was produced
on the 24th of April, 1767, by Hallam's Company,
who returned in 1766 to occupy a new theatre
built for them at South and Apollo Streets and
opened on the I2th of November in that year.

The beginning of American Fine Art was also
fostered in the College in the person of Benjamin
West, of the Class of 1757. The God-given talent
for painting possessed by this Chester County
Quaker had already been recognized and blessed by
Friends, and while at College he was encouraged
and inspired by Francis Hopkinson and "Billy"
White, afterward Bishop, who used to stroll along
the sylvan banks of the Schuylkill reading the
classics to the young artist. With Benjamin
Franklin they helped his sweetheart to escape by
night from her stern brother and sent her to her
marriage with him in England, where he became a
founder and President of the Royal Academy.

THE FIRST MEDICAL BUILDING OF

THE UNIVERSITY

Fifth Street below Library Street, 1765

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

John Morgan, of the class of 1757, has shed
great glory upon his Alma Mater. Beginning his
medical studies under Dr. Redman, he served as a
surgeon of the Provincial Troops against the
French and Indians until 1760, when he went to
Europe to complete his medical education at
Edinburgh, London and Paris. Returning -to
Philadelphia in 1765 he laid before the Trustees of
the College, at a special meeting on the 3rd of
May, a recommendation of his plans for a Medical
Department from Governor Thomas Penn and
similar letters from James Hamilton and Rev. Mr.
Richard Peters, two Trustees then in England.
The Trustees immediately entered into the project
with enthusiasm and appointed Dr. Morgan Pro-
fessor of Theory and Practice of Physick. Thus
was begun the first Medical School in America,
which, as Thomas Penn said, gave "Reputation
and Strength to the Institution" and made it the
first University on the Continent, a fact which
was strengthened by the first Law Department in
1790. It is this great achievement of the old Col-
lege which has maintained Philadelphia as the
centre of medicine in this country, an achievement
rendered permanent by the recent merger of other
medical schools with the pioneer.

In the Revolutionary War Dr. Morgan was
made Director General and Physician in Chief of
the army.

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

His address at the ensuing Commencement
of 1765 acquired much notoriety and his prediction
that the example thus set would be copied by other
institutions and thus "spread the light of knowl-
edge throughout the whole American continent"
has been amply fulfilled. An early associate in the
University was Dr. Adam Kuhn, who studied
abroad and became Professor of Botany and
Materia Medica.

Perhaps the most distinguished of Dr. John
Redman's pupils was Benjamin Rush, who also
studied under Dr. Shippen and abroad. He
brought home a chemical apparatus presented to
the University by Thomas Penn and a recommen-
dation from him and was unanimously elected to
the Chair of Chemistry in 1769. Dr. Rush was an
author of prominence and had a talent for public
discussion. His oration before the Philosophical
Society on the history of medicine among the
Indians, with a comparison of their diseases and
remedies with those of civilized nations, made him
famous. The feature of this address was his dis-
cussion of the evils of the intemperate use of in-
toxicating liquors, which was the first instance of
such a discussion in Philadelphia. Dr. Rush was a
member of the Continental Congress and a signer
of the Declaration of Independence. Shortly af-
terward he became Surgeon-General of the Army
for the Middle Department, but his participation

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

in the Conway Cabal for the removal of General
Washington soon led to his resignation. Dr. Rush's
part in the yellow-fever outbreak of 1793 was
notable. He adopted a heroic practice which he
boldly asserted was of domestic and not foreign
origin and it raised loud outcries against him.
He kept going day and night during this terrible
year, sometimes fainting in the street from ex-
haustion, yet attending more than a hundred
patients in twenty-four hours. His never-for-
gotten notebook was always at hand and from
it he wrote the history of the plague. His death
caused universal sorrow, only exceeded, it was
thought, by that at the death of Washington.
The College of Physicians was established mainly
through his influence.

Its first President, Dr. John Redman, a
Trustee of the University, has been referred to as a
teacher of medicine. He began practice in Bermuda
after studying with Dr. John Kearsley and then
completed his studies in Edinburgh, Paris and
Leyden. For more than half a century he lived in
Second Street near Arch, retiring from active
practice many years before his death. In his later
years he used to visit his old friends on a fat pony
mare which he hitched to the turn-buckle of the
mansion shutter, so that she always stood on the
foot-pavement. Greatly respected for his learning
and good sense he was also notable for his anti-

3 33

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

quated appearance. He usually wore a broad-
skirted dark coat, with long pocket-flaps, but-
toned across his under dress, and wearing, in
strict conformity to the cut of the coat, a pair of
Baron Steuben's military-shaped boots, coming
above the knees. "His hat flapped before and
cocked up smartly behind, covering a full-buttoned
powdered wig, in the front of which might be seen
an eagle-pointed nose, separating a pair of piercing
black eyes, his lips exhibiting, but only now and
then, a quick motion, as though at the moment he
was endeavouring to extract the essence of a small
quid." Thus almost daily he was to be seen on
his short, fat, black, switch-tailed mare riding in a
brisk rocking canter about the streets.

Dr. Caspar Wistar, 1782, and Dr. James
Hutchinson, 1774, were men of influence and note.
Both studied abroad and both served the Uni-
versity well. Dr. Wistar was President of the
American Philosophical Society and a gentleman
of wide influence and learning. He was the orig-
inator of the famous " Wistar Parties," a social
gathering of famous men of culture and refine-
ment kept up to this day.

Philip Syng Physick is known as the "Father
of American Surgery." He was graduated from
the College in 1785 and began attending the Med-
ical lectures. In 1789 he went abroad and qualified
at the Royal College of Surgeons and at Edin-

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

burgh University. He began his lectures on sur-
gery at the suggestion of Dr. Rush in 1800 and in
1805 became our first Professor of Surgery.

The anatomist of those days pursued his
investigations at the risk of his life and his abode
was looked upon as the haunt of body-snatchers
and the favourite abiding place of ghosts. The
dead bodies were brought there, it was said, and
"their flesh was boiled and their bones burnt down
for the use of the faculty." Boys would advance
as far as they dared and retreat suddenly, singing:

The body-snatchers! They have come,

And made a snatch at me;
It's very hard them kind of men

Won't let a body be!

Don't go to weep upon my grave,

And think that there I'll be;
They haven't left an atom there

Of my anatomy!

David Rittenhouse, the greatest American
astronomer, who succeeded Franklin as President
of the American Philosophical Society, was Vice-
Provost of the University, first Director of the
Mint, and contributed the first purely scientific
paper in the series of the "Transactions of the
Society." In June, 1769, he made observations
on the transit of Venus, only seen twice before,
from the observatory erected in the State House
yard. It was from this balcony that Trustee John
Nixon first read the Declaration of Independence

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

to the people. He constructed an orrery repre-
senting the revolutions of the heavenly bodies,
which appeared upon the seal of the University
for a time. David was not above a little practical
work, and Washington depended upon him to
grind the glasses for his spectacles made famous by
that remark of the first President as he adjusted
them to his nose, "I have grown gray and blind in
your service."

On account of the presence of the Continental
Congress the Commencement of 1775 was a notable
one. Many of the delegates were at home in the
College Hall, for they had been a part of the insti-
tution, and two of them, Franklin and Mifflin,
Trustees, were appointed a committee of reception.
Allen, Mifflin, John and Lambert Cadwalader,
Peters, Bingham and Smith, of Pennsylvania;
Hopkinson, Neilson and Sergeant, of New Jersey;
Paca, Seney and Hindman, of Maryland; William-
son and Hill, of North Carolina; Dickinson, of
Delaware; Marchant, of Rhode Island; Grayson,
of Virginia; and Ramsey, of South Carolina, all
knew the place, and it was dear to them. We can
imagine their reminiscences and the pranks they
recounted to their distinguished colleagues as the
assemblage gathered. Some perhaps had appeared
in the "Masque of Alfred," performed by the
students in January of 1757 in honour of Lord
Loudoun and the Governors of several of the Col-

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

onies, who were in Philadelphia consulting upon
plans for common resistance to the Indians. Some
grew enthusiastic, no doubt, as they pointed out
the course, about the square, taken by young Sam-
uel Lewis, of Virginia, in 1770, when he won the
championship at foot-racing. There may have
been some in the company who had led the assault
with apples upon the windows and new street
lamps in 1752, which caused a formal entry upon
the Minutes of the Trustees "that a small Ladder
be bought, to be always at hand for the Conven-
iency of mending the windows."

As a member of the Congress came Colonel
George Washington, a delegate from Virginia,
who was to be called within a month to the com-
mand of his country's army. He lodged at Dr.
Shippen's and was entertained at Andrew and
James Allen's, James Tilghman's, Thomas Mifflin's,
William Hamilton's, John Dickinson's, Benjamin
Chew's, Thomas Writing's, Dr. Cadwalader's,
General Cadwalader's, Thomas Wharton's, Dr.
Rush's, and at the homes of other University men.
He wore his uniform because it was the best suit he
had, and it consisted of a blue coat, scarlet waist-
coat and breeches. And so Washington first ap-
peared at the University in the Colours it now
holds so dear.

On Monday,May 15, 1775, the following adver-
tisement appeared in the "Pennsylvania Packet'':

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

. . . The Commencement for degrees in the Arts will
begin at the College, on Wednesday next at nine o'clock;
and the business will be finished in the forenoon. That there
may be the more room for strangers in the Hall, the worthy
inhabitants of the City are requested to accommodate them-
selves (as far as they conveniently can) in the Galleries;
the doors of which will be opened at half an hour Past
Eight o'clock.

The account of the Commencement is given
in the "Pennsylvania Packet" of May 22, 1775:
College of Philadelphia, May 17, 1775.

This day the public Commencement for Graduation in
the Arts was held here, in the presence of the most illustrious
assembly this Seminary ever beheld.

About half an hour after nine o'clock, agreeable to an
invitation previously given to them, the Honorable members
of the Continental Congress were pleased to proceed in a
body from the State House to the College, where they were
received at the gate by the Provost and conducted to places
prepared for their reception in the Hall. As soon as they
were seated, the Trustees, with the Governor as President
at their head, followed by the Provost, Vice-Provost, Pro-
fessors, Graduates and other students, in their proper
habits, entered the Hall, took their places; the Galleries and
other parts of the house being filled with as many of the re-
spectable inhabitants of the City as could find room. The
business then proceeded in the following order, viz. :

1. Part of the Church Service, with an occasional Prayer,
by the Provost.

2. An Anthem, accompanied with the organ and other
instrumental music.

3. Latin Salutatory Oration, de Amicitia, by Henry
Ridgeley.

4. On the Education of Young Ladies, by Francis
Brown Sappington.

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

5. Latin Syllogistic Dispute, Utrum detur Sensus
Moralis? Respondent, William Moore Smith; Opponents,
Benjamin Chew and John Mifflin.

6. On Ancient Eloquence, by Thomas Ennals.

7. On Politeness, by John Mifflin.

8. On the Fall of Empires, by William Moore Smith.

9. The degrees were then conferred as follows, viz.:
Bachelor of Arts — Benjamin Chew, *Townsend Eden,
*Thomas Ennals, John Farrel, John Mifflin, *Henry Ridg-
ley, * Francis Brown Sappington, and William Moore Smith.
(*The young Gentlemen whose names are marked with an
asterisk [thus*] are of Maryland, the others of Philadelphia.)
Samuel Armor, John Park and John Thomas. Honorary
Master of Arts, James Ross.

10. A Dialogue and two Odes set to music. The
speakers in the Dialogue were John Farrel, F. B. Sappington
and W. M. Smith.

11. Valedictory Oration — B. Chew.

12. CHARGE to the Graduates, by the Provost.

13. Concluding Prayer, by the Vice-Provost.

The Condescension of the Gentlemen Delegates, who
thought it not unworthy of them, amid their other arduous
concerns, to devote a few hours towards the encouragement
of youth in literary pursuits, and the great generous applause
given by them, as well as the audience in general, to the
different speakers and to their exercises, especially such of
them as had a reference to the present state of our public
affairs, are circumstances which will be long remembered as
honorable to the Seminary. At the desire, therefore, of some
very respectable names, and also that the principles constantly
propagated in this Seminary may be known to the whole
world, all those parts of the exercises which touched on mat-
ters of a public nature, are herewith communicated.

In the next issue of the "Packet," May 29,
1775, the speeches on "Ancient Eloquence," "Fall

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

of Empires," the Valedictory, and the Charge of
the Provost are given.

"The Fall of Empires," by the son of Dr.
Smith, caused the audience to break "forth into
one loud and general plaudit" when he cried out,
"Liberty is our idol! She is the parent of virtue,
the guardian of innocence, and the terror of vice !
Equal laws, security of property, true religion,
wisdom, magnanimity, arts and sciences are her
lovely offspring ! " Listening to this oration and to
others of like sentiment we can imagine Washing-
ton's heart responding warmly to the spirit of the
occasion. How enthusiastic he must have felt for
the College that was instilling into its youth the
principles he heard so ardently proclaimed that
day in May of 1775 when he was on the threshold
of the consecration of his life to the ideals it taught !
Washington soon had further evidence of the
patriotic attitude of the University he had visited.
On the 23rd of June he attended Christ Church
with the members of the Continental Congress, the
officers of the Third Battalion of Philadelphia
Militia, Colonel John Cadwalader, 1760, command-
ing, and a "vast concourse of people " to hear a ser-
mon by Provost William Smith. It was on the
"Present Situation of American Affairs" and laid
down certain moral and political principles, leaving
the obvious application to the distinguished gentle-
men in the audience. This sermon caused much

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

comment and was considered a patriotic call to the
liberties of America.

The ceremony of the Commencement to which
Washington listened was the last public one until
1779. The Commencement of 1776 was a private
one on June loth. The buildings and yard were
filled with militia and the classes discontinued.
The Trustees did not meet on account of "public
alarms." The Faculty complained that their lec-
ture and even bedrooms were forced open and that
there were "hundreds of soldiers quartered in the
College at one time."

There were many of the University's men in
the Revolution. Ten of them had signed the Dec-
laration of Independence. This is not the place
to enumerate them, but it may be well to tell of a
few who stood near to Washington, were dear to
him, and were trusted in founding the Republic.

For Benjamin Franklin, Washington formed
an early attachment. Indeed it was Franklin, as
one of a committee of three sent by Congress in
1775, who framed the plan, with the Commander-
in-Chief, at Cambridge for putting the defence of
the country upon a permanent basis. The scheme
was a continental army which enabled Washington
to carry on a seven years' war and, through
Franklin's later efforts in Paris, to carry it to a
successful conclusion. Washington wrote to him
afar off in Passy in 1781, virtually telling him that

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

it lay with him to save his country if she was to be
saved at all. It is Washington's words that are
cut in the base of the Franklin Statue in Philadel-
phia on the site of the one-time University build-
ings:

Venerated for Benevolence
Admired for Talents
Esteemed for Patriotism
Beloved for Philanthropy.

The splendid figure of Washington which
stands in the Capitol at Richmond is due to
Franklin's selection of Houdon to execute the
commission voted by the State of Virginia.

Anthony Wayne, of the Class of 1765, was
the most picturesque figure of the Revolution and
one of the finest soldiers America has produced.
He was also an Assemblyman and sat in the Penn-
sylvania Convention which ratified the Constitu-
tion of the United States. Washington's reliance
upon him is indicated by the account of every
battle in which he was engaged where "Wayne
led the advance." On June 24, 1778, Washington
invited his generals to a council at Hopewell,
New Jersey, and, after explaining to them the
conditions of his own force and that of the enemy,
asked if it would be advisable to hazard a general
action. Sixteen generals were gathered and all
answered against such an action with considerable
explanation until it came to Anthony Wayne.

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

Washington then said to him, "What would you
do, General?" He arose in his place and replied
with emphasis, "Fight, sir." The Battle of Mon-
mouth was the result. He served with distinction
in nearly every important engagement from Can-
ada in the North to Georgia in the South, and after
the war Washington made him Commander-in-
Chief of the American Army. In this position he
conquered the middle and northwest and secured
for civilization the territory between the Mississippi
and Ohio rivers. Upon the centre of the outer line
at Valley Forge stands a noble equestrian statue
of General Wayne. It is where he stood on that
hallowed camp-ground and the place he held upon
many a field of battle. There is no commonwealth
in America but has a county or town bearing his
name.

John Cadwalader, of the Class of 1760, after
serving as a member of the Provisional Congress,
took command of the "Silk Stocking Company"
in Philadelphia before which Provost Smith de-
livered his celebrated address in Christ Church in
1775. He soon rose to be a Brigadier-General,
meriting the report of Washington in which he
said, "General Cadwalader is a man of ability, a
good disciplinarian, a man of good principles and
of intrepid bravery." He was always an enthu-
siastic supporter of Washington and fought a duel
in his behalf with Conway, author of the " Cabal, "

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

whose purpose was to substitute General Gates as
Commander-in-Chief . Cadwalader badly wounded
Conway, who apologized to Washington and left
the country. In 1779 he became a Trustee. A
brother, Lambert, of the same class, was a member
of the Provincial Convention and Continental
Congress. He was a Captain and Colonel of Penn-
sylvania Militia in the Revolution.

Thomas Mifflin graduated in 1760. He soon
took an interest in public affairs and became a
member of the Provincial Assembly and Conti-
nental Congress. Although a member of the So-
ciety of Friends, he enlisted for the defence of
Pennsylvania as a major upon the outbreak of
hostilities. When Washington became Comman-
der-in-Chief of the American Army, Mifflin was
the first aide-de-camp he chose and soon after he
appointed him Quartermaster-General "from a
thorough persuasion of his integrity and my own
experience of his activity.'' He quickly rose to be
a Major-General and Congress maintained im-
plicit confidence in him by almost unlimited finan-
cial support while he was a Quartermaster-General.
He became, indeed, President of Congress and
received Washington's resignation in the historic
scene at Annapolis after the war. As Mifflin rose
in fame and position he was suspected of a critical
attitude toward Washington and was unjustly
accused of being a party to the Conway Cabal. He

ENTRANCE TO THE LAW SCHOOL
ON THIRTY-FOURTH STREET

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

maintained his old allegiance, however, and in receiv-
ing Washington's resignation made a particularly
graceful and eloquent reply. "You retire," said
he in closing, "from the theatre of action with the
blessings of your fellow-citizens; but the glory of
your virtues will not terminate with your military
command: it will continue to animate remotest
ages." He was long a member of the Pennsyl-
vania Assembly, Governor and member of the
Convention which formed the National Constitu-
tion. He was a Trustee of the College.

James Wilson was one of the most distin-
guished lawyers of his day. He was professor of
English in the College in 1773, received the degrees
A.M. in 1766 and LL.D. in 1790. He founded the
Law School of the University in 1 790, the first on
the Continent, was the first Professor of Law and
a Trustee. He was a member of Congress until
1787, a signer of the Declaration of Independence
and member of the Constitutional Convention, in
which he was intellectually the ablest of the mem-
bers. He is said to have had much, if not most,
to do with the writing of the Constitution of the
United States and was appointed a Justice of the
National Supreme Court in 1789 by President
Washington, who had already recognized his ability
by placing his nephew Bushrod under him.

Philemon Dickinson, of the Class of 1759,
was a soldier and statesman. He was a member of

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

the Continental Congress and entered the Revolu-
tion as a Colonel of New Jersey troops, soon rising,
as a Major-General, to the command of all the
troops of his state. He displayed great bravery at
the Battle of Monmouth and was especially com-
mended by Washington. As Chief Signal Officer
of the Continental Army he had much to do with
Washington and was Cadwalader's second in his
duel with Conway. After the war he became
United States Senator from New Jersey.

John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg, of the Class
of 1763, was a picturesque and romantic figure.
At the outbreak of the Revolution he was the
pastor of a church at Woodstock, Virginia. Hav-
ing accepted a Colonel's commission at Washing-
ton's solicitation, he appeared in his pulpit with his
uniform under his gown and after preaching a sermon
on the wrongs the Colonists had suffered from
Great Britain he proclaimed, "There is a time for
all things — a time to preach, and a time to pray;
but there is also a time to fight, and that time is
now come." Then pronouncing the benediction he
threw off his gown and took his place at the head of
his recruits. He participated in many battles and
became a Major-General. After the war he was a
member of Congress and United States Senator
from Pennsylvania, but resigned before taking his
seat. His figure is Pennsylvania's sole representa-
tive in Statuary Hall of the National Capitol.

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

Richard Peters, Jr., graduated in 1761 and
received his Master's degree in 1765 and Doctor of
Laws in 1827. He was a member of the Conti-
nental Congress, Assemblyman and Judge of the
U.S. District Court. He commanded a company
when the Revolution broke out and in 1776 was ap-
pointed by Congress Secretary of the Board of War.
As the first Secretary of War he frequently came into
contact with General Washington. He was aTrustee
of the College. Another alumnus, Benjamin Stod-
dert,of Maryland, who served as a Major of Cavalry
in the Revolution until badly wounded at Brandy-
wine, was the first Secretary of the Navy and
served in the cabinets of Adams and Jefferson.

Perhaps the most unusual of Richard Peters'
many attainments was his keen wit and brilliant con-
versation. He used to follow the assizes or circuits of
the courts in all the surrounding counties and always
relieved the tedium of the legal atmosphere by his
humourous sallies. When the Pennsylvania del-
egation went to the conference with the Indians at
Fort Stanwix, in New York State, Peters accom-
panied them and, during the negotiations,, so
insinuated himself into the good graces of the In-
dian chiefs that they proposed to adopt him into
their tribe. Their offer was accepted and Peters
was introduced to his adopted relatives by the
name "Tegohtias," bestowed in allusion to his
amusing talkativeness.

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

In 1771 he became Register of the Admiralty,
retaining this post until the Revolution broke out.
Although this association might have been ex-
pected to attach him to the King's interests, he
did not hesitate to espouse the cause of American
rights and organized a company in the neigh-
bourhood of his home, filling the post of captain.
His administrative and executive abilities were so
well known, however, that he was soon summoned
to act as Secretary of the Board of War and thus
became on June 13, 1776, the first Secretary of
War of the new Republic. Everyone who has read
the record of that memorable time can imagine
the difficult and trying position in which he was
placed and it was undoubtedly due to his indom-
itable energy and unceasing labours that Wash-
ington's army had what provisions and amuni-
tion they got. Some notion of the army's frequent
grievous state and of the tremendous burden
Peters bore on his shoulders during all the anxious
years of strife may be gained from one of his
letters :

I was Commissioner of War in 1779. General Wash-
ington wrote to me that all his powder was wet and that he
was entirely without lead or balls, so that, should the enemy
approach, he must retreat. When I received this letter I
was going to a grand gala at the Spanish Ambassador's, who
lived in Mr. Chew's fine house in South Third Street.
The spacious gardens were superbly decorated with varie-
gated lamps, the edifice itself was a blaze of lights, the show

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

was splendid, but my feelings were far from being in harmony
with all this brilliancy. I met at this party my friend,
Robert Morris, who soon discovered the state of my mind.
"You are not yourself tonight, Peters, what is the matter?"
asked Morris. Notwithstanding my unlimited confidence in
that great patriot, it was some time before I could prevail
upon myself to disclose the cause of my depression, but at
length I ventured to give him a hint of my inability to an-
swer the pressing calls of the Commander-in-Chief. The
army is without lead and I know not where to get an ounce
to supply it; the General must retreat for want of ammu-
nition. "Well, let him retreat," replied the high and liberal-
minded Morris; "but cheer up; there are in the Holker
Privateer, just arrived, ninety tons of lead, one-half of which
is mine and at your service, the residue you can get by apply-
ing to Blair McClenachan and Holker, both of whom are in
the house with us." I accepted the offer of Mr. Morris.

Peters then goes on to relate how he ap-
proached McClenachan and Holker, both of
whom, however, demurred because of the large
sums already owing them. Thereupon Trustee
Morris came forward, assumed the whole respon-
sibility, the lead was delivered and so the army
for the nonce had a supply of bullets.

After the surrender of Cornwallis, Mr. Peters
resigned his post and received the thanks of Con-
gress for his "long and faithful services." He was
thereupon elected to Congress and had his share
in the business of ending the war and arranging
the longed-for peace. He was a member of the
Assembly in 1787 and its Speaker from 1788 to
1790. One day during this time a member tripped
4 49

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

on the carpet and fell flat. This was followed by
laughter on the part of the House, but Judge Peters
with great gravity called, "Order, order, gentlemen !
Do you not see that a member is on the floor!"

When Washington was on his way to New
York for his first inauguration as President of the
United States, Peters and General Thomas Mifflin,
the Speaker of the State Senate, were the repre-
sentatives of Pennsylvania who met him as he
entered the state.

The University made him a trustee in 1789
and in 1791 he became the Speaker of the State
Senate. Declining the Comptrollership of the
United States Treasury he was commissioned
Judge of the Federal Court of Pennsylvania in
1792 and held the office until his death.

Judge Peters was one of the founders of the
Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture,
the first of its kind in America, and held the pres-
idency of it until his death. From the farm at
Belmont came many model things. His specialty
was dairying and the Belmont butter went to
market put up in one-pound packages.

Unfortunately for the Judge, his one-pound
weight, according to a new assize of weights and
measures, was too light, and the whole consign-
ment was seized by the inspector and confiscated
for the benefit of the poor. The Judge then sent
his old weight to be examined and corrected by the

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

standard and when it was returned the letters
"C. P." (for Commonwealth of Pennsylvania)
were stamped upon it. The servant who brought
it back carried it at once to the Judge, who was
at dinner with a party of friends. Taking it, he
carefully inspected it and, looking gravely at his
wife, said, as he held it up for her to see, "My
dear, they have at last found us out. Here is the
old weight come back with C. P. stamped in it
which can stand for nothing in the world but
Cheating Peters."

As may be imagined, Belmont was the scene
of lavish and constant hospitality, and while
Philadelphia was the seat of the Federal govern-
ment the chief statesmen, diplomats and foreign
notables were frequent guests there.

The Judge dearly loved to surround himself
with his friends, and his political prominence, his
intellectual brilliance, and his genial personality
drew a large coterie about him. Washington and
Lafayette were on terms of great intimacy with
him, and the former, "whenever a morning of
leisure permitted," was in the habit of driving to
Belmont and there, free for a time from the cares
of state, would enjoy his host's vivacious flow of
conversation, walking for hours with him in the
beautiful gardens between "clipped hedges of
pyramids, obelisks and balls" of evergreen and
spruce, or beneath the shade of ancient trees.

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Judge Peters' many stories and bon mots
were wholesome and without the least trace of ill-
humor or sharpness. On one occasion while at-
tending a dinner of the Schuylkill Fishing Com-
pany he was seated beside the president, Gov-
ernor Wharton. Toward the end of the dinner
more wine was required and the Governor called
a servingman named John to fetch it. Said the
Judge, " If you want more wine you should call for
the demi-John," adding that he himself "drank
like a fish" from his goblet of water.

To advertise one of his suburban tracts of
land he posted a plan of the locality on a signboard
and carefully covered it with glass, saying that if
he left it exposed "every hunter who comes along
will riddle it with shot and then everybody will
see through my plan." The project was not suc-
cessful and one of his friends advised him to have
it officially laid out. "All right," said Peters,
"it's time to lay it out. It's been dead long
enough." Once when going to court, a very fat
and a very thin man stood at the entrance of a
door into which his honour wished to pass. He
stopped for a moment for them to make way,
but perceiving they were not inclined to move, he
pushed on between them, exclaiming, "Here I go
then, through thick and thin."

As he grew older his nose and chin approached
each other and a friend observed that they would

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

soon be at loggerheads. "Very likely," the Judge
replied, "for hard words often pass between them."

Judge Peters was one of the courtliest of men
and retained the ancient mode of dress long after
others had abandoned it. To his dying day he
wore knee-breeches, and silver buckles on his
shoes, always powdered his hair and dressed it in
a queue. He died August 22, 1828.

James Tilton, Bachelor of Medicine, 1768,
and Doctor in 1771, was a Delawarean and entered
the war as a lieutenant of light infantry. He soon
became regimental surgeon, however, and after
serving in several campaigns was called to the
hospital department of the army, where he brought
order out of chaos and established methodical
procedure. He refused the chair of Materia Medica
at his Alma Mater, preferring not to desert his
country at a critical time. He was present at the
surrender of Cornwallis and soon after was elected
to Congress. When the war of 1812 came Tilton
was made Surgeon-General of the United States
Army. He was a distinguished publicist and
member of many important scientific societies.

Jonathan Potts, of the Class of 1768, was
made a Doctor of Medicine in 1771 also. He
delivered the valedictory at Commencement,
emphasizing the advantage to be derived in the
Study of Physic from a previous liberal education
in the other sciences. He was a member of the

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Provincial Congress and upon the outbreak of
hostilities was appointed physician-surgeon of the
army for Canada and Lake George. In 1777 he
became deputy director-general of the General
Hospital in the Northern district. His work of
reorganization and efficiency gained for him a
commendatory vote of Congress and he was made
director-general of the hospitals of the middle
department. This brought him into the enormous
task of caring for the sick and wounded at Valley
Forge. From this exertion he died at the age of
36, before the independence of his country for
which he had so ardently longed.

William White, of the Class of 1765, was
chosen chaplain to Congress in 1777. He was
riding with a friend when a messenger from Con-
gress overtook him. Realizing the danger of
enrolling with the patriots he hesitated a few
moments, turned his horse's head and accompa-
nied the emissary to General Washington's head-
quarters. The rector of the United Churches of
Christ and St. Peter's and the first American
Bishop of the Episcopal Church, was made a
Master of Arts in 1767 and a Doctor of Divinity
in 1783. He was a Trustee from 1774 to I^36 and
only lacked one vote of being chosen Provost. He
had close and confidential relations with Washing-
ton, who attended Christ Church. The Bishop
was often present at dinners of state, and his

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

residence on Walnut Street was the only place
where President and Mrs. Washington allowed
themselves to make a social call. The Bishop
was the dispenser of the President's alms.

In 1762, at the age of 18, Tench Tilghman
came to Philadelphia from Maryland. His father
was a lawyer and soon became a prominent man
in the Commonwealth and a Trustee of the Uni-
versity. Sympathizing with the loyalists, the
elder Tilghman retired to Chestertown, Maryland,
at the outbreak of hostilities, leaving his son a
merchant in Philadelphia. Tench Tilghman's
mother was the daughter of Tench Francis,Esquire,
Attorney-General of Pennsylvania. He was a
founder and one of the first Trustees of the Uni-
versity. With Franklin he drew up its constitution
and rules of government. His grandfather assumed
the direction of young Tilghman's education and
he entered the College in 1758, graduating A.B. in
1761. Soon after Lexington and Concord, Tench
Tilghman became a lieutenant in "The Silk
Stockings," a company composed of the young
men of the best social position in Philadelphia.
When it was merged into Washington's army
Tilghman was Captain. Trained in filial piety and
the reverence of a son he found himself violat-
ing some of the tenderest sentiments of his
nature, but in his relations with his father during
the war there never was an alienation of feeling,

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

but mutual affection and respect was cherished to
the end.

Thus disregarding pecuniary interests, per-
sonal comfort and family ties, Tench Tilghman
became the most trusted and nearest of Washing-
ton's aides, " master of the most valuable secrets
of the cabinet and the field" and proof against
the many attempts made to alarm the general's
suspicions as to his being near his person. In
August, 1776, he became a member of Washington's
family and served as his military aide andsecretary
throughout the war, being in every action in which
the main army was engaged.

Upon the surrender of Cornwallis, Washington
selected Colonel Tilghman to bear the news to
Thomas McKean (A.M. 1763, LL.D. 1785, and
president of the Board of Trustees of the Univer-
sity), president of the Congress then in session in
Philadelphia. He asked, too, that the merits of
his aide be " honoured by the notice of your Excel-
lency and Congress." The messenger reached
Philadelphia in four days, having spread the
joyful news to an anxious countryside. McKean
was awakened in the middle of the night and the
news given to the aroused city, the watchmen
calling "Cornwallis is taken" with their announce-
ment of the hours. Congress presented Colonel
Tilghman with a sword and a horse fully accoutred.
When Washington resigned his commission in that

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

memorable scene before the Congress at Annapolis,
Tench Tilghman stood by his side as they faced
the President of Congress, Thomas Mifflin, of the
Class of 1760.

At the Commencement of 1783 Washington
was given the degree of Doctor of Laws, although
he did not receive it in person until he was in
Philadelphia in December, on his way to Annapolis
to resign his commission.

It has already been mentioned that Wash-
ington had a high regard for James Wilson. In
1790 when he was President, and Judge Wilson
was made Professor of Law at the University he
attended, on December i$th, the introductory
lecture in College Hall which was the beginning of
the first law school in America. Mrs. Washington
accompanied the President on this important
occasion, as did also the Vice-President, John
Adams, both houses of Congress, President Thomas
Mifflin of Pennsylvania, and both houses of the
Legislature, "together with a great number of
iadies and gentlemen, the whole composing a most
brilliant and respectable audience."

As has been said, Washington placed his
nephew Bushrod under James Wilson for the study
of the law. He became a Justice of the Supreme
Court of the United States. Two other nephews,
George Steptoe and Augustine Washington, were
entered in the College by their uncle and were of

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

the Class of 1792. Thomas Jefferson sent his
nephew John Randolph to the University to study
medicine.

After Washington returned to Mt. Vernon
for his last years, Elisha Cullen Dick, of the Class
of 1782 Medicine, who was settled in practice at
Alexandria, Virginia, became one of the family
physicians. He was the Worshipful Master of the
Masonic Order in the District of Columbia and
walked arm in arm with Washington when the
cornerstone of the Capitol was laid. Mr. Dick
was the first to arrive at the bedside of the dying
General and remained with him until the end.

Dr. James Craik, another alumnus of the
University, was not only the family physician
but a life-long friend. He spent much time with
Washington from the French wars of 1754 until
the General's last moments. "Doctor, I die hard,
but I am not afraid to go," were his last words,
and as the end came Dr. Craik put his hands over
the eyes of the great man who expired without a
struggle or a sigh.

On Washington's birthday in 1794, at noon,
the Faculty waited upon him in person to present
their felicitations, which he graciously acknowl-
edged. Since 1826 the University of which he was
the friend and patron has celebrated his birthday
as an especial occasion to do honour to one who is
"enrolled in the catalogue of her sons," hoping,

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

as did those early fathers, that "the rising gener-
ation under our care, when hereafter they shall
see their names enrolled with yours, will be fired
with emulation to copy your distinguished virtues,
and learn (from your example) to grow great in
the service of their country."

The importance and usefulness of a Univer-
sity can best be determined by the careers of the
sons whom she has equipped and this brief glimpse
of some of them may perhaps yield an idea of the
the place which the University of Pennsylvania
held in the early days. The list of graduates who
have been Attorneys-General and Justices of Su-
preme Courts in both State and Nation is a consid-
erable one, and of Governors of many States there
are not a few. Of Commanders-in-Chief of the
the United States Army there have been three —
Anthony Wayne, Jacob Brown and George B.
McClellan, and of Cabinet officers seven. In
literature, art, science, religion and education the
list is obviously too long to give entire, but is
reviewed later.

In 1779 the men who had once ruled the
Colony, driven from office and power and almost
even from social influence, were gathered together
in the College. These were men like Robert
Morris and James Wilson, signers of the Declara-
tion of Independence. It seemed to be the object
of President Reed of the Supreme Executive

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Council of the State to drive such men out of
prominence, and the destruction of the College
seemed to be the final blow in this design. Reed's
party, called the Constitutionalists, had already
handled the College as roughly as they could.
They had quartered soldiers in it, suspended the
functions of its Trustees and called it a nest of
Tories and traitors, although there was nothing
to justify the accusation, and its officers had been
among the most distinguished patriots. All but
three of the twenty-four Trustees had taken the
oath of allegiance. The attack indeed was not on
account of the so-called Tories in the Board, but
on account of the patriots in it who differed
politically from the Constitutionalists. The spoil-
ing of the College was consummated in 1779, the
charter declared void, the Board of Trustees and
Faculty dissolved and the property given to new
Trustees of the Constitutionalist party, who were
to be called the University of the State of Penn-
sylvania. Provost Smith was banished to Mary-
land where he founded Washington College.

The Assembly seem to have supposed that
great Universities could be created on paper. They
destroyed a true College, the slow growth of years,
containing the first and greatest medical school
in America, and put in its place a sham. For the
next eleven years there were two Colleges in
Philadelphia, both of them worthless.

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

The old Trustees of the College kept up a
struggle for the restoration of their property,
which was successful in 1789. Sydney George
Fisher, the historian, says:

But they could not restore the past or bring back life.
The wound had been too deep. The eleven years of death
had broken up the tone, the traditions, and the spirit of the
old College of Philadelphia, and it never could be made to
live again. Its rival, the State University, was still alongside
of it, and within a year or two it became evident that neither
one was accomplishing anything. A union was suggested and
effected, and a third institution appeared, which was the
present University of Pennsylvania.

But the Provost was not connected with it, and it is
doubtful whether he ever cared to be. Its Board of Trustees
was made up of representatives from every party, clique,
and faction in the city, in the hope that the more dissimilar
and disunited they were the more they would work in har-
mony. It was a miserable failure. From the year 1794 to
the year 1830 this hotch-potch University graduated an
average of twelve students a year in the department of arts,
and sometimes went down as low as three. The only part of
it which managed to pull itself together and make a name
was the medical school, which shows how strongly rooted
among us are institutions of science. It was not until after
the Civil War that the healing effects of time and the ener-
getic administration of Dr. Stille began to restore some of
the ancient strength and usefulness.

The old buildings at Fourth and Arch Streets
eventually became too contracted and too badly
situated for further usefulness, and the minds of
the Trustees were turned toward the securing of a

new location. On Ninth Street, between Market

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

and Chestnut, there was a large and handsome
building erected at the expense of the state as a
dwelling place for the President of the United
States, when it was expected that Philadelphia
would remain the national capital. But destiny
chose a far different spot for the White House,
and the Philadelphia presidential mansion remained
untenanted. In 1802 this building was secured
for the College, which immediately emigrated
thither from its old Fourth Street home. Alter-
ations and additions were made from time to time,
till in 1829 it was torn down and two buildings
were put up on the same site, one for the Depart-
ment of Arts, one for the Medical School. In 1825
the College course was raised from three to four
years, entrance requirements made more rigourous,
and then, or not long previously, a rule was made
that students should not be admitted under four-
teen years of age.

The plans of these two buildings were nearly
identical — on the main floor through the centre
east and west was an ample hall or passage to a
smaller transverse hall at the west in which were
the stairways, and the side entrances from the
campus which was between the two buildings.
West of these stairways on the first floor were
three lecture rooms, while on the second floor over
these was a fairly large room with plain white-
washed walls and white woodwork, called the

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

Chapel, wherein, with the exception of the Com-
mencement, all important functions took place.
This occupied in length the entire width of the
building north and south and its ceiling rather
higher than those of the other rooms on that floor.

The opening morning service consisted of
reading a chapter of the Scriptures and a prayer
by the Provost or Vice-Provost.

At this period the Commencement took place in
Musical Fund Hall, in Locust Street west of Eighth.

The principal entrance to the Chapel was
midway on its east side, otherwise the west end of
the second-floor hall. The seats were very plain
and, though having backs, were very comfortable
benches somewhat hand-carved by the students.

At the north end of this Chapel was a dais
about seven feet high, under which was a low room
where the professors donned their gowns. At this
time " mortar-boards" were not used. In front of
this dais on which the Faculty sat, was a small
platform raised about three steps above the
Chapel floor. This platform was the torture field
where each morning immediately after the devo-
tional exercises the Provost called some shy under-
graduate to face "his peers" and "speak his piece"
while the latter, particularly the Freshmen, played
a game with the Faculty, the former trying to dis-
concert the speaker and the latter trying to catch
them at it.

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Charles Gilpin, of 1864, thus recalls these
scenes:

The southern building was the Medical Department,
a terra incognita to us of the Academic, and its students a
strange and alien race with whom we never came in contact.
Our building was entered by a door on Ninth Street opening
on a broad hall running west for perhaps two-thirds of the
depth of the building. It joined a cross hall running the
width of the building from north to south, the passages
forming a letter T. The cross hall had a stairway on either
hand leading upward. Each of the two blocks between the
entrance and the cross halls was divided into three rooms.
On the left was the library, then the room of Professor
Coppee and behind that the room of the janitor. On the
right was the dreaded Faculty Room, where unlucky youths
appeared before a solemn tribunal when "summoned" by a
professor for some high crime or misdemeanor. Back of this
was the Provost's room. With him we read
1|tiral F.rrmntny(" sound Protectionist

s of Morality," and kindred subjects. Some bold
and daring spirits used to have long discussions with him
which we others welcomed as an agreeable diversion. The
only topic which I remember was whether the virtuous man,
on the whole, was better off than the vicious one. I do not
think any definite conclusion was ever reached, but much
time was consumed. The third room was that of Professor
Jackson who taught us Latin. Back of the cross hall were
three other rooms, one, I think, the Department of Mines
and Engineering, which had neither professor nor students,
then the Law School whose sessions were held in the afternoon
and we had nothing to do with. The southern room was a
lecture room used by Professor Frazer. I remember one
occasion when we had a fourth-hour lecture by him, the
third hour in some way became vacant and, at our request,
he agreed to give us the lecture then and have it over.

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

The lecture was on sulphur and as there had not been time
to air the room the fumes were overpowering. In a short
time we were nearly asphyxiated and the professor in pity
to us and perhaps to himself dismissed us to our great joy.

The second story had halls similar to the first and a
single staircase leading to the third floor. The west part of
this, say a third part of the floor, was taken up by the Chapel
where services were held in the morning and written exami-
nations when these times came around. On this floor were
also the rooms of Professors Kendall, Frazer and Allen. The
first of these as Frazer once expressed it "called our attention
to" mathematics. The latter was one of the teachers who
could make Greek interesting. For instance he had sub-
mitted the Sicilian expedition to competent military critics
who explained operations to him as he in turn did to us.

The third floor contained the rooms of the Philomath-
ean and Zelosophic Societies.

The Greek letter societies had modest rooms in various
places, not whole houses as now.

With the middle of the century a number of
scientific courses in the College were successively
established, additional members were added to the
Faculty, and several professors of strong person-
ality and influence were teaching simultaneously.
Perhaps the most distinguished of these was Henry
Reed, '25, a great teacher of the English Lan-
guage, Literature and History. He started each
on its way to the independent foundations we
have today. He was not only great in his chair,
but in the community at large and in the world of
letters. He introduced the knowledge of Words-
worth and the whole Lake School to the American

5 65

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

public. By those who came in contact with him
he was regarded with reverence.

Stille, Wylie, and Allen were others of marked
distinction. As Professor of Belles Lettres and as
Provost Dr. Stille began the upbuilding of the
University of today. More is to be said of him
among the Provosts. Samuel Wylie gave languages
a basis of their own that they had not had prior to
his advent. He taught Hebrew, Greek and Latin
and upon the vantage ground won by him George
Allen took his stand. Allen brought an atmosphere
of classic literature and history more than linguis-
tics into the classroom and thus did much the
same kind of work that Reed did in English. All
these men teaching together in the sixties won the
love and respect of their students. They formed
an unexcelled group that gave the University a
new birth and reclaimed for it the intellectual
standing it had enjoyed in the previous century.

In 1855 Ezra Otis Kendall became Professor
of Mathematics and Astronomy where he remained
until his death in 1899. He was Dean of the College
from 1883 to 1889 and Vice-Provost from 1883 to
1894. Dr. Kendall was a Christian gentleman of
the old school and though his scientific attainments
were important he is best remembered for the
intense affection in which he was held by all those
who came in contact with him. Francis Aristide
Jackson, Professor of Latin, well remembered

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

as "Goat Jackson" from his flowing beard, and
William A. Lamberton, "Zeus," Professor of Greek,
formed with Dr. Kendall a famous trio that are
well remembered by many graduates living today.

In every institution of learning there are men
who seem to give the tone of originality and
scholarship and character to the place. These
were some of them. In the professional schools
there was a long list during this period, of names
well known and respected in the community,
whose owners gave an impress of worth and
inspiration to their students. In the Law School
there were Mitchell, Sharswood, Hare, and Parsons;
n Medicine, Long, Leidy, Agnew, Wood, Pepper
and Tyson, with many others whose names are
widely known in their professions.

In 1872 the great break with the past was
made by the removal from the centre of the city to
West Philadelphia.

The Dutch explorers who discovered the two
rivers between which old Philadelphia is settled
named one of these " Schuylkill, " meaning "Hid-
den River," because of the verdure of its banks
and the beds of rushes and sedgy flats that well-
nigh concealed its entrance. To those of us who
know it as we go to and from the University, now
housed near its western bank, the name seems still
appropriate, for bridges, factories, wharves and
gas works meet our eye rather than the winding

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

waters that once flowed through the veritable syl-
van paradise in which Benjamin Franklin used to
disport himself to the delight of many and the
instruction of not a few.

Upon the rolling ground above the stream
Andrew Hamilton in 1735 established his country
seat and called it "The Woodlands," and the sec-
tion of West Philadelphia east of Fortieth Street
and south of Market took the name of "Hamilton
Village." Little did Andrew Hamilton, 2nd,
realize when he became a Trustee of the Academy
in 1754 in the place of Thomas Lawrence, that his
land was one day to be occupied by the great
University of today, nor perhaps did he expect
that one of his descendants would be among its
Provosts.

His second son, William, born in 1745, was a
member of the Class of 1762 and while at the
Academy took part in the first public exhibition
designed to display the oratorical powers of the
students. This was in November of 1754 and
was participated in by the students in philosophy
of the higher class, before the Trustees and a
distinguished audience of ladies and gentlemen.
The program concluded with an "Occasional
Epilogue spoken by Master Billy Hamilton. As
he is a child under nine years of age, and spoke it
with a great deal of Humour and Propriety, it gave

inexpressable Satisfaction to the Audience."

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

When William Hamilton graduated from the
College in 1762 he was the Valedictorian of his
class and gave a fete for his college friends, which is
the first recorded alumni dinner. It was held at his
country seat, the "Woodlands," upon a part of the
land on which the present University is situated.
Among those present were Jasper Yeates, 1761,
who afterward became a Justice of the Supreme
Court of Pennsylvania; Richard Peters, Jr., 1761,
afterward the first Secretary of War, member of
the Continental Congress, Speaker of the Penn-
sylvania Assembly, Judge of the United States
District Court, Trustee of the University, and a
famous wit; Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant, 1763,
later a member of the Continental Congress,
Attorney-General of Pennsylvania and member
of the American Philosophical Society; John An-
drews, 1765, who became an Episcopal clergyman,
Professor of Moral Philosophy in the College,
Vice-Provost and Provost; and William White,
1765, famous as the first Anglican Bishop in this
country, member of the American Philosophical
society, Chaplain to Congress, Trustee and beloved
citizen. This was a notable gathering indeed,
and no doubt many more alumni who were to
become useful and distinguished citizens were
present.

William Hamilton was a man of culture and
luxurious tastes. Soon after his graduation he

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

built the present spacious and elegant structure.
Its walls were hung with valuable paintings,
collected with the assistance of Benjamin West of
the Class of 1757. Among the many rare works of
art was the well-known portrait of the owner of
the mansion, with his sister, Miss Anne Hamilton,
painted by West and now in the possession of the
Pennsylvania Historical Society. William Hamil-
ton's book-shelves were well filled with the choicest
volumes, and his retinue of servants kept every-
thing in a splendour of style that quite eclipsed the
domestic arrangements of most of his neighbors.
When he drove abroad he commonly went in a
chariot-and-four with postillion boys in livery.
His board was always surrounded by an assem-
blage of eminent men, in addition to the social
celebrities. Sundays and Thursdays were the
favorite days for his parties and many are the
notable gatherings that took place on the afternoons
of these days in spring, summer and autumn.

Hamilton's gardens contained an extraor-
dinary collection of exotic trees and plants, as well
as an abundant collection of native plants and
shrubs. He was a born gardener and his interest
was increased by a visit to England. He selected
luscious fruits and exquisite flowers with the
greatest care and taste, which attracted the
attention of the cultivated people of the entire
country.

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

When trouble with the mother country broke
out he raised a regiment of troops, but could not
agree to absolute separation, so his ardor cooled,
he became disaffected and indeed was tried for
treason, but was acquitted.

What a splendid thing it would be if the fine
old colonial mansion and its wooded slope should
one day come into the possession of the University
whose son built it !

The move to West Philadelphia proved to be
the beginning of a new life, especially as it coincided
with the administration of a new Provost, Dr.
Stille. What the Fourth Street location had
become by 1802, the Ninth Street site had become
by 1872. It was surrounded and hemmed in by
the world of business. In West Philadelphia the
University had elbow-room, and it began promptly
to take advantage of its opportunity for expan-
sion. In the years immediately succeeding was
erected the original group of four buildings, con-
sisting of College Hall, Medical Hall, the Medical
Laboratory, and the University Hospital. All these
buildings were of green serpentine stone and were
designed by Professor Richards.

Between 1880 and 1890, during Dr. Pepper's
provostship, several more buildings were erected,
among these the Library, the present Botanical
Building, and the old Veterinary buildings, which
have since given way to the new Medical labora-

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

tories, erected in 1904. Between 1890 and 1900
the additions to the University group of buildings
included the Observatory, the beginning of the
Dormitory system, the Harrison Laboratory of
Chemistry, the Randall Morgan Laboratory of
Physics, the Museum, Wistar Institute, Houston
Hall, Dental Hall, and the Law School. During
this period the direction of the University passed
from Dr. Pepper to Charles Custis Harrison,
LL.D., whose term of office as Provost dated from
1894 to 1910, Vice-Provost Edgar F. Smith, Sc.D.,
LL.D., succeeding him in office.

Since 1900 the physical equipment of the
University has been materially augmented, the
erection of the following buildings attesting a period
of remarkable development and extension: the
new Medical laboratories, already referred to;
the Engineering Building, the Veterinary Hall
and Hospital; the Gymnasium; the Training
House and Franklin Field; the remodeling of the
University Hospital; enlargement of the Museum
of Science and Art; additions to the Dormitories;
the School of Dentistry; the Women's Dormitory;
The Phipps Institute for the Study, Prevention
and Treatment of Tuberculosis; and the University
Settlement House. The new building for the
Graduate School will shortly be constructed, and
a site for the Wharton School building has been
chosen.

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

In addition, the University has acquired,
by grant from the city, a neighboring tract of
about fifty acres, which extends the Campus to
the western edge of the Schuylkill River, and
gives it a total acreage of one hundred and seven-
teen, exclusive of streets and sidewalks.

But after all, the Campus and buildings are
only the shell of the University. It is the history
of the life within them which is important. During
the period from 1870 to 1913 a number of new
departments of study were established, in the
Scientific courses, in Biology, in Finance and
Economy, in Architecture, in Dentistry, in Music,
in Veterinary Medicine, in Education, and in the
Graduate School, in addition to corresponding
extensions of the old departments, the College,
and the Medical and the Law Schools; the separa-
tion of the Wharton School and the Towne Sci-
entific School from the College in 1912 was an
important administrative change. The number of
students in all departments had risen from less
than a thousand, in 1870, to 9000 in 1916, and the
number of instructors from less than fifty to more
than six hundred. Representatives from every
state of the Union and forty-one foreign countries
are included in the student enrollment.

A parallel movement has been the growth of a
series of connections between the University and
the community at large. For instance, between

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

1883 and 1887, a commission of members of the
Faculty and of the Board of Trustees carried out a
series of investigations in modern spiritualism and
published their results. During the same period
Mr. Eadweard Muybridge anticipated the inven-
tion of the commercialized moving picture by
performing, under the supervision of the Univer-
sity, a system of experiments on the photography
of animals in motion. The publication of the
results of his experiments furnishes a valuable and
interesting document in the history of the devel-
opment of the motion picture. The Babylonian
explorations, which have since made valuable
contributions to the world's knowledge of ancient
history, were begun at about the same time. The
Museum of Art and Science, in which the Baby-
lonian collection and other valuable collections
are exhibited, is now the mecca of week-end pilgrim-
ages of school children and others throughout the
year.

The free clinics in the Medical, Dental, and
Veterinary Schools annually provide treatment
for thousands of the city's sufferers. The Phipps
Institute for the Study, Prevention and Treatment
of Tuberculosis is also a splendid instance of the
double function of the University. The work of
the Psychological Clinic, in studying and treating
backward and defective children, is rapidly becom-
ing recognized as an important adjunct to the com-

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

munity. Instances multiply in which the various
laboratories of Medicine, Botany, Zoology, Physics,
and Engineering have been drawn upon by the
national, state, or municipal bureaus for expert
assistance. Each year one or more commissions,
such as the Chestnut Blight Commission, make
the University a headquarters for research work.
In a similar way, the various departments of the
Wharton School of Finance and Commerce have
given practical and valuable assistance in the
solving of problems affecting national and munic-
ipal finances and administration. The solution of
many of the perplexing questions of policy, arising
out of the construction of the Panama Canal, was
achieved by members of the Wharton School
faculty. The Department of Architecture also,
through its students and faculty, has rendered
efficient aid to many municipalities. In many other
ways does the University respond to requests for
expert assistance.

The free public lectures by distinguished mem-
bers of the Faculty on Saturday afternoons have
been appreciated by large audiences and have
been since 1913 a large factor in bringing the
University and the public closer together.

The more purely social side of the University
life goes farther back, and has been less changed of
recent years than the intellectual or the athletic
side. Fraternities, musical and dramatic clubs,

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

college literary societies, and such organizations
have their roots well back in the early part of the
century. However, the custom of keeping up
fraternity houses in which members live while at
College has sprung up within the last twenty years.
Many attractive houses have recently been built
by local chapters of national societies.

But of all the changes that have taken place
in the life of students of the University since 1872,
when the removal to West Philadelphia was made,
the most important, if not the most conspicuous,
is the greater closeness of connection of the students
with the University, the large part of their life
which centers in it. This has resulted partly from
the erection of the Dormitories, partly from the
establishment of Houston Hall, in which so many
of the students meet one another and spend much
of their time, partly also from the policy of the
University authorities, and the growth of a habit
among the students of looking upon the University
as the center of all their interests. Twenty-five
years ago the greater number of the students had
but little more connection than that involved in
attendance during lecture or recitation hours. It
has since then become more and more general for a
student to feel during the three or four years of
his course that all his interests, material, intel-
lectual, social, and religious, gather around his
University. There he spends almost all his time

AMERICA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

and there he finds enough to satisfy all his normal
instincts and interests.

The advantages of the University's location
in Philadelphia are manifold. The city is one of
the oldest and largest on the continent, and is well
described as the "City of Homes." The privileges
which the student obtains toward a liberal educa-
tion are very valuable. In music he can attend
the performances of Grand Opera by the Met-
ropolitan Opera Company and the Symphony
Concerts of the Philadelphia Orchestra. In art
the advantages of the Academy of the Fine Arts
and of Memorial Hall are open to him, as well as
many other features valuable to students of
architecture.

The situation of the various engineering
departments in the principal manufacturing city
of the nation is obvious, as well as the advan-
tage to the Wharton School of such an industrial
center where the problems of business management
can be shown in a practical way. The various
institutions for the care of the dependent classes
are also valuable to the study of social and eco-
nomic problems. The Courts and the Hospitals
are indispensable to the thorough work of the
Law and Medical Schools. And yet the scholar or
lover of literature who would seek to step aside
from the immediate can readily find seclusion and
monastic quiet within the limits of the University

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

on the west bank of the Schuylkill, just removed
from the city's turmoil. One has but to retire
within the enclosures of the Dormitories, the
bosky limits of the Botanical Gardens, or stroll
along Hamilton Walk with its ample shrubbery
and poplar sentinels, to find the blessings of
solitude.

CHAPTER II
THE PROVOSTS

THE name by which the University's
head is called is not the only unique
feature of the office. Its powers and
responsibilities have been different
from those of the presidents of all the other Colonial
Colleges of America. These early institutions of
learning were all founded in a time when religion
was the most prominent factor in life. It swayed
private and public affairs, and its controversies
occupied the most active and capable minds of the
time. The Colonial Colleges were founded to
prepare young men for the ministry and their
trustees were churchmen and scholars. Not
so in Philadelphia, however, where the Quakers
controlled the Province for nearly a hundred years
and influenced the community and its institutions.
Their toleration and peaceable, liberal government (
gave refuge to many sects and nationalities, but I
none predominated over them and their simple, t
thrifty ways. Penn sought men of industry and \
liberal views rather than bigots or cavaliers for /
settlers, and to this is due the rapid progress of the
city in wealth and usefulness. Turn back to the
list of the first Board of Trustees of the Academy,
and you will see the names, not of scholars and

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

churchmen as were found upon the governing
bodies of other Colonial Colleges, but men of
business with a scattering of physicians. Frank-
lin himself was the embodiment of practical
' industry and urged the useful things and the
[language of every-day life upon the institution.
'•Richard Peters was the only Trustee that had seen
1 the inside of a University and he only hesitated
al Leyden. The rest were merchants, physicians,
lawyers, and James Logan a self-made scholar
who attended but one meeting. The character
of the Board, maintained to the present day, is
important because it affected the career of the
University very much and made it quite different
from our sister institutions of like age. Until Dr.
^Pepper's time the Provost was not permitted to
) attend the meetings of the Trustees, and they
managed the College in fact, deciding upon the
curriculum and even the rosters for a long while.
It is easy to see how hard this made the position
of Provost and Faculty. Until about 1876 the
Trustees really had control of the College only, the
Medical and Law Schools being leased to prom-
inent practitioners who charged their own fees
and paid the small expenses of their departments.
This meant a very large renumeration for these
professors and no control by the Trustees whatever.

IThe whole system contributed very much to the
decline of the College and the predominance of

THE PROVOSTS

the Medical School. Under Dr. Beasley's provost-
ship, indeed, he had but 29 pupils in the College
as compared to 500 in the Medical School. The
financial problem was constantly unfortunate in
this state of affairs.

The Academy and Charity School was carried
through its early career under the rectorship of
David Martin, M.A., and Francis Alison, M.A.,
D.D., who were the first professors in honour and
rank, but not regarded as having any general
governance of the institution or any responsibility
attaching to the office of head of the Faculty.
David Martin did not live to the end of his first
year as Rector, dying December 17, 1757. Francis
Alison, who succeeded him, was a Scotchman
educated at the University of Glasgow, who came
to America in 1735 and in 1737 became the Presby-
terian Minister at New London, Chester County,
Pennsylvania. Here he also became principal of a
celebrated school attended by many scholars who
afterward became distinguished. It was after-
ward removed to Newark, Delaware, and later
became Delaware College. The University owes
much of its early nurture to Francis Alison, a
remarkable man in natural powers and trained
gifts. He was indeed second only to William
Smith in learning and force. As to the latter Dr.
Stille says: "The History of the progress of the
College of Philadelphia during the first 30 years
6 81

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

of its existence, is the history of the result of the
extraordinary zeal, the unwearied devotion, and
the wonderful skill, capacity and energy displayed
in promoting its welfare by a single man — Rev.
Dr. William Smith, first Provost of the College."
William Smith was a Scotchman, born Sep-
tember 7, 1725, and bred nearby at the University
of Aberdeen, which he left in 1747. Although
intended for the Church he had an enthusiasm for
education and original plans concerning it. In
1751 he turned toward the inviting field of America
and sailed for New York as the tutor of three
young gentlemen in whose family he remained for
two years. Here he set down his advanced views
on education in "A General Idea of the College
of Mirania " a copy of which he sent to Dr. Franklin,
then president of the Board of Trustees of the
"Academy and Charity School in Philadelphia."
Impressed with the report Dr. Franklin gave them
the Trustees invited Dr. Smith to become teacher
of Logic, Rhetoric, and Natural and Moral Philos-
ophy in the Academy. He consented upon con-
dition of being allowed to visit England to re-
ceive Holy Orders. Having accomplished this he
entered upon his duties in May, 1754, and soon
gained a distinguished place for himself. In 1755
he became Provost and the former Rector, Dr.
Alison, became Vice-Provost, the introduction of

the Scotch jtitle|being^attributable, no doubt, to

THE PROVOSTS

Dr. Smith. His salary was £250; and he entered
at once upon his duties with enthusiasm and
vigour. With Mr. Alison he immediately proposed
a new charter giving the needed power of granting
degrees not accorded in the charter of 1753. The
"additional charter" erecting a College in the city
was granted in March, 1755. Dr. Smith soon
formed his ideas about the politics of his adopted
country and took an active hand as the head of
the Church party, which waged such vigourous
warfare against the dominant Quaker party. This
later brought him into conflict with Franklin who
became the head of the Quaker or Assembly party,
and caused an estrangement between them. Dr.
Smith continued also his activity as a clergyman
and was noted for his eloquent and stirring sermons.^'
He kept the College and the achievements of his
students well before the public, and under his care
the institution reached a degree of popularity
through skillful publicity that it has never since
attained. The Provost's formula for a complete
curriculum was unequalled in any institution in
America for its comprehensiveness and thorough-
ness. Indeed it has formed the basis for every
other American College. He continued the unique
plan of Franklin, that had been followed from the
outset, of giving direct attention to the training of
boys in the correct use of their own language in
contrast to the tendency of the day to elevate the

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

study of the classics and the knowledge of the
ancients. Dr. Smith felt that a new departure in
higher education was needed in the Colonies where
the aim of the Colleges had been primarily to
prepare young men for the ministry. The condi-
tions of the organization and progress of the
jEliiladelphia institution opened the way for him.
Here churchmen were regarded as dissenters,
clerical influence was not foremost, and church
and state were absolutely separate. It was curious
for a clergyman of the Episcopal Church to fall in
with this Quaker situation and propound a scheme
free of the earlier Colonial tradition, building a
new, a richer and a broader curriculum for higher
education. As his pupils took their places in the
world thoroughly trained mentally for their various
calls Dr. Smith found his highest gratification in
the success of his scheme.

The staid duties of the College, with its full-
day sessions, were not so congenial to the Provost
as political and theological controversies in which
he displayed his keenest abilities and trenchant
pen. The bitter contest long continued between
the Proprietary and Assembly parties engaged
much of his attention and naturally affected the
College. At length the Trustees were brought
into his defence against the public insinuations,
the Assembly party which he opposed being the
people's party dominated by the Quakers. The

THE PROVOSTS

most conspicuous case in which Dr. Smith figured
was the removal of Judge Moore, of Chester
County, by the Assembly, the animus for which
was said to be his attacks upon the Quakers'
peace policy. Dr. Smith was Judge Moore's son-
in-law and defended him vigourously for which
he was put in the old gaol at Third and Market
Streets. Here he taught his classes assembled at
the window.

The Provost's visit to England and to the
other Colonies on behalf of the financial support
of the College has been related. He gained the
assistance of the King, the Archbishops of Canter-
bury and York, the Proprietor Thomas Penn,
the University of Oxford and many powerful
personages. Mr. David Garrick gave a benefit
performance at the Drury Lane Theatre in London.
Upon his return home after his triumphal tour he
was given a reception by the Professors of the
Colleges "in their proper Habits" and many of
the principal gentlemen of the city.

Dr. Smith's collections enabled the Trustees
to finish the Dormitories which contained sixteen
lodging-rooms in the two upper stories and were
expected to take care of fifty boys at £6 for the
second story and £5 for the third. There was a
double room on the first floor for the Charity
Boys, a kitchen, a dining-room and a sitting-room
for the Steward. It was estimated that the whole

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

annual expense would be as follows for the boys
who live four in a room:

To Commons £18. o.o

Steward 2 . o.o

Room Rent, the highest 1 . 10.0

Washing and Mending 2.12.0

Servants' Wages o. 10.0

Firewood separate from the

schools 0.15.0

Wear of Kitchen Furniture

and other Contingencies ... 8.0

Total £25.15.0

There is another interesting and important
paragraph in the committee's report which appears
on the minutes of the Trustees:

A School for Girls was never a part of our original
Plan, it is unbecoming and indecent to have Girls among our
Students; it is a reproach to our Institution, and were our
Friends able to support them, as they are not, they should be
removed to another part of the City.

The Trustees having added to the property, a
Provost's House was built at the request of Dr.
Smith at the Southwest corner of Fourth and Arch
Streets adjoining the College grounds. In the min-
utes of the Board of Trustees for the meeting held
December 21, 1773, there are the following entries:

" The following Application was laid before the Board
by the Provost, viz:

Gentlemen:

A few Months will compleat the Twentieth year since
you were pleased to commit the Care of this Seminary to me;
during which time I have never troubled you for any other

THE PROVOSTS

Support than you have freely conferred upon me, and have
constantly exerted myself for encreasing both its Funds and
literary Reputation, with a Zeal and Success, which in any
other liberal Profession would probably long before now have
made my Situation easy.

Through the Favor of Providence, & the Credit of
your Names and Authority, I have been enabled to add
more than Fourteen Thousand Pounds to its Capital, at a
very moderate expense to you; esteeming the kind manner in
which you have accepted my Services, as a sufficient compen-
sation for my Labors, and long absences from my family.

Still desiring to act upon the same public Principles, I
should have the utmost Reluctance even now to trouble you,
if I did not believe that your Funds will permit, and your own
Goodness induce you, to put me at least nearly on an equal
Footing with Gentlemen in the like Stations in the neigh-
bouring Seminaries, who have neither the same Length of
Services, nor such large Families, to plead in their Behalf.

When you consider the advanced Price of Necessaries,
and the growing Expence of a growing Family, with the public
Character which, for the Reputation of the Seminary, I must
maintain; I flatter myself, you will readily believe me when I
declare that I cannot make the Sum of Three Hundred &
fifty Pounds a year, which I receive from you, answer my
annual expences, House-Rent &c., with all the Frugality
which I can with Decency use.

I do not mean by this to introduce any unreasonable
Demand. Although what I am to request will be of consider-
able Service to me, yet I believe it will be of still greater Ser-
vice to the Institution, which would certainly be much better
conducted, and the People who have Children there much
better satisfied, if I could live so near it as to have it imme-
diately under my Eye, upon the Collegiate Plan. For as I
advance in years, the Travelling five or six Times a-day a
considerable Distance, backwards & forwards, must grow
more and more inconvenient to me.

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

If then you will be pleased to provide me with a House
on the College Grounds which now lie vacant, I shall never,
while I continue in your Service, make any further Demand
of you, whatever may be the Difference of Living. And, I
trust, the Expence of this need not be much thought of. We
have never yet been without Resources for money when we
wanted it, and in this growing Country more Resources will
be always opening to us, if we preserve the Reputation of the
Seminary as a place of Letters; and I will even engage to
find ways & means, with your Consent, of refunding a con-
siderable Part of what you may lay out in this way. Hoping,
therefore, that you will favor me in this Request, which I
have particular Reasons for wishing the Accomplishment of
the ensuing Season, I am with all due Regard, &c.,

(Signed) WILLIAM SMITH.
Feb. 22d, 1774.

The Board having considered the foregoing Represen-
tation given by Dr. Smith, unanimously agreed to erect a
House at the Corner of Arch-Street & Fourth-Street for the
Residence of the Provost of the College; and appointed Mr.
Shippen, Mr. Laurence and Mr. Willing a Committee to
prepare and lay before the next Meeting a Plan of the pro-
posed Building, and an Estimate of the Cost of the same."

"March I5th, 1774, present

Honble Richard Penn, Dr. Peters, Mr. Laurence, Mr.
Willing, Dr. Bond and Mr. Mifflin.

The Committee appointed at last Meeting produced a
Plan of the House proposed to be built for the Provost, with
an Estimate of the Cost amounting to Sixteen Hundred &
Thirty Seven Pounds, as follows, viz —

j House Forty Feet by Thirty four ) like ye
Memoranda a f

Tw£nty Qne by Eighteen plan

"A Three Story Brick House designed to be built on
the Corner of 4th & Arch Streets. First Story, Eleven feet in
the Clear. Second Do ten feet; third Story Nine feet high.

'72*S GATE AND THE PROVOSTS*
TOWER ON SPRUCE STREET

THE PROVOSTS

The Cellar Walls to be of Stone Eight feet high, & of suffi-
cient Thickness to support the Brick walls above. The East,
North and West Walls to be of Brick of the Thickness of
Fourteen Inches. The South Wall to be of Nine Inches thick.
All the Partition Walls to be of Brick Nine Inches thick, ex-
cept that which forms the smallest Room, part of which
from the Chimney to the Front-Wall of the House to be of
Wood. These Partitions to go three Stories high of Brick.
There are to be Fifteen Windows of Twenty four Lights each,
Glass 8y£ by II Inches, for the two principal Stories. The
lower Story to have good lined Shutters, and the 2d Story to
have single Shutters i$i Inch thick — "

"There are to be eight Windows in the 3d Story of
Sixteen Lights, and two in the Gable Ends to light the Gar-
rets— A plain Cornice to the eves of the House & up the Gable
End. The House to be well Shingled and Gutturs, Pipes
&c made of Cedar to convey the Water to the Ground. Stone
Steps to the Door, and Red Cedar Checks & Sill to the
Cellar Door.

"There is to be a Brick Kitchin with a Cellar under the
whole of one Story above Ground, and a small Piazza in
which are to be the Stairs going down to the Cellar, and a
small Closet. This Kitchin is to be finished in the Common
Way. There is to be a Necessary House of Brick, and a
Door in by the West End of the Kitchin, and a Fence cross
the Yard as a Screen to the Necessary; the Yard to be well
paved with Bricks — "

"A good Floor of Inch & Quarter Boards for the lower
Story; a plain Cornice to the two large Rooms & Hall, Wash-
Boards & Surface, a small Mantle Cornice to the Chimney
with an Architrave under to form the Margin of the Chim-
neys, which are to be finished with Tiles Jamm-boards to the
windows, with a Moulding on the Edge. Doors as in the
Plan & Architraves round; good Locks & Hinges to these
and all the other Doors. A neat plain Stair Case. The
Rooms in Second Story to be finished plain, with Surface &

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Wash boards, Jamm-linings to the windows, Doors & Ar-
chitraves, a Mantle Piece to the Chimneys, Closets by the
Sides of the Chimneys, good Floors nailed through.

Third Story to have Wash-boards, Closets, Doors and
Architraves Stairs from this Story up to the Garrets — said
Garrets to be divided, Washboards, &c. The whole of the
Wooden Work, outside & Inside, to be painted, except the
Shingling; and all the Rooms within to be well plaistered;
and the whole to be finished in a neat, plain, Workman like
Manner, for the sum of Sixteen Hundred and fifty five Pounds,
& I then to pay for that Part of Dove's Wall that joins this
Building.

(Signed) ROBT. SMITH.

£1655

1 8 for Dove's Wall.

N. B. He did not know that
the adjoining House was pur-

£ , chased by the Trustees, & the

;i £18 is therefore deducted,

when this was told him.

The foregoing Plan and Estimate being examined were
approved, and the Committee directed to agree for finishing
the same as soon as possible, and to draw on the Treasury
for Money as they shall have Occasion."

There has been some doubt about the location
of this house, but it has been generally supposed
that it was the fine old mansion still standing at
the northeast corner of Fourth and Arch Streets.
Pictures of this house have from time to time
appeared, and it is to be noted that the minutes of
the Trustees do not disclose upon which corner it
was erected. They do direct, however, under date
of March 19, 1776, that insurance be placed on the

THE PROVOSTS

Provost's House and the records of the Philadelphia
Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses
from Loss by Fire show that a policy on the house
and kitchen "at the southwest corner of Fourth
and Mulberry Streets where Dr. William Smith
dwells" was taken out by the University on May
7, 1776.

This of course establishes beyond a doubt the
location of the first Provost's House. It is much
changed now, although the brick walls are still
standing. They are topped with a villainous
mansard roof and there are large bulk windows on
the first floor where the leather dealers who occupy
the building display their wares. The brick walls
are painted over all, black downstairs and buff
upstairs.

Dr. William Smith and his successor, Dr. John
Ewing, were the only Provosts who occupied the
house, so that it has been a long lapse of time since
our University properly cared for its head.

As has been said Dr. Smith continued his cler-
ical duties and the demands for his sermons were
constant. He acted as rector of Christ Church
for a while and for Trinity Church, Oxford. He
was chaplain of the i8th or Royal Irish Regiment,
quartered in Philadelphia, and preached a series
of sermons before the Regiment on the Christian
Soldier's Duty, "In the great Hall of the College
of Philadelphia."

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

The Commencement of 1771 is memorable
on account of the Provost's first public claim for
the institution to the rank and place of a University,
to which in fact it had attained in 1768.

The troublous times of the Revolution closed
the University in June, 1777, on account of the
quartering of the patriot troops in the buildings
and grounds. The British occupation in Sep-
tember, which lasted until June 18, 1778, of
course kept it closed, and Provost Smith retired to
his country place at the Falls of Schuylkill. The
returned Congress occupied the College Hall
during that summer until the State House was
renovated, and Dr. Smith had little opportunity
for reorganization until the autumn. Some success
was achieved and the reopening occurred in Janu-
ary, 1779. Then came the antagonism described
in our earlier chapter. The resultant Act of Assem-
bly of November 27, 1779, created a new institu-
tion with three classes of Trustees — officers of the
state, ministers of certain named denominations,
and certain individuals. It was called the Univer-
sity of the State of Pennsylvania and existed for
ten years, causing a divided institution as the
organization of the College was kept up without
exercising any functions. Dr. Smith removed to
Chestertown, Maryland, in 1780, where he took
charge of a parish and of the Kent County School

which two years later he made into Washington

THE PROVOSTS

College. He was the President and collected a
large sum of money for its endowment. In 1783^
he was chosen Bishop of Maryland, but was never |

consecrated. In 1789 he returned to Philadelphia
and took charge of the reorganization of the
University when the restoration was made. The
controversy had left scars which prevented his
resumption of the office of Provost, if indeed he
ever wanted it. The position was vacant until
1780, as the popular accusations of Episcopal
control would not down, and the new Board of
Trustees were unable promptly to fill his place.
The Episcopal party was still strong and vigourous,
however, and urged the choice of Bishop William
White. The Presbyterians were active, too, and
won by one vote for Dr. Ewing, who had been
Acting-Provost. The deciding vote had been
promised Bishop White, but threats of the exposure
of a revolutionary scandal by the Presbyterian
party caused the unnamed Trustee to change
his ballot.

Dr. Smith died in 1803, honoured, feared,
maligned and full of achievement. Franklin and
Benjamin Rush accused him of many natural,
manly failings but not of dishonesty or lack of
ability. Six feet two in stature he was a command-
ing figure and the most powerful orator in America.
He was given the degree of Doctor of Divinity by
the Universities of Oxford, Aberdeen and Dublin.

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

The ancestors of John Ewing, D.D., second
Provost of the University, came from Scotland
and settled on the banks of the Susquehanna
River at an early period. He was born June 22,
1732, in Nottingham Township, Cecil County,
Maryland, and gained a rugged physique from his
boyhood on his father's farm. His education was
at the school of Francis Alison, which has been
mentioned, where he remained a tutor for three
years, continuing his favorite study of mathematics.
He frequently rode forty miles to obtain a book
which he wanted. In 1754 ne entered the senior
class at Princeton and engaged at the same time
as teacher of the grammar school connected with
the College. After graduation he become a tutor
in the College but soon decided to enter the Pres-
byterian ministry, so returned to Dr. Alison for
further instruction and was licensed to preach, in a
short time, at New Castle, Delaware. Before
settling in any pastorate, however, he was called
at the age of twenty-six to instruct the philosophical
classes in the College of Philadelphia during the
absence in England of its Provost, Dr. Smith.

In 1759 he became minister of the First
Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, where he
soon established himself in the hearts of his flock.
In 1773 he went to Great Britain to solicit funds
for the Academy at Newark, Delaware, and was
received with much honour and hospitality.

THE PROVOSTS

Glasgow, Montrose, Dundee, and Perth presented
to him their freedom, and the University of Edin-
burgh made him a Doctor of Divinity. In England
he was urged to remain, and Lord North held fre-
quent conversations with him concerning the ap-
proaching union of the Colonies. Dr. Ewing was
intensely loyal to his country and labored faithfully
to avoid the contest whose issue he predicted.

In 1780 he was chosen Provost of the new
University of the State of Pennsylvania and
proved uncommonly competent in teaching the
branches of learning and science taught in the
College. He was greatly beloved by his students,
and his mild manner was that of a parent. He
rose with the sun and his day was full, keeping
him busy with College, private and pastoral duties
until late at night. For forty years he never
knew sickness, and gave his spare time to public
duties as well as those of his calling. This was
mainly in running the boundary lines of states,
surveying for turnpikes and acting as Vice-President
of the American Philosophical Society. He raised
a large family, trusted everyone, was easily duped,
and in his old age was rendered penniless by those
to whom he had been kind. He never spoke
harshly of them, however, and died on the 8th of
September, 1812, without a foe.

Dr. Ewing was considered a mathematician
without a peer, a distinguished linguist and a

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

diligent and accurate investigator. His under-
standing predominated over his imagination and
his discourses were in plain language without
declamation.

John McDowell, LL.D., third Provost, was
born on the family homestead near Mt. Parnell,
Peters Township, near Chambersburg, Pennsyl-
vania, February n, 1751. In the French and
Indian war his home was burned, and his youth
was spent in troublous times. He entered the
College of Philadelphia in 1768 and was graduated
in 1771 when twenty years old. He enlisted as a
private in 1777, but could not stand army life
and took to teaching at Cambridge, Maryland.
Here he studied law and practiced until 1789 when
he was appointed professor of mathematics at St.
John's College, Annapolis, Maryland, where he
became President in 1790. In 1806 he was chosen
Professor of Natural Philosophy in the University
of Pennsylvania and in 1807 was made a Doctor of
Laws and Provost, being the first graduate to attain
that distinction. He never enjoyed good health
and in 1810 was compelled to resign, returning to
Annapolis and acting again for some time as Pres-
ident of St. John's College, The unusual distinc-
tion for a layman, lawyer and educator came to
him in 1818, when Union College made him a
Doctor of Divinity. He had a weak voice, was
not an orator, but was a writer of much force. He
was thrifty, kind and simple and was highly

THE PROVOSTS

regarded as a Christian gentleman. His death
occurred December 22, 1820, in Peter's Township,
near Mercersburg, Pennsylvania.

The fourth Provost was Dr. John Andrews,
another Marylander, born near the head of Elk on
the 4th of April, 1746. The piety of his father gave
him a serious and fixed purpose. He was educa-
ted in a Presbyterian school near his home, and
when seventeen years old he entered the College
and Academy of Philadelphia, from which he was
graduated in 1765, although his course was com-
pleted the year previous while the Provost was
abroad and no Commencement held. He was a
tutor in the College for a year, received his Master's
degree in 1767, and then took a school in Lancaster,
where he found time to prepare for the Episcopal
ministry. He was ordained in London in 1767
and appointed a missionary at Lewiston, Delaware.
After three years the climate caused his removal
to York, Pennsylvania, and from thence he went
to Queen Anne's County, Maryland, as rector of
St. John's parish. He was a warm friend of liberty,
but thought opposition should be confined to con-
stitutional measures. He was a strong supporter
of the Federal Constitution and of General Wash-
ington. His pacific views caused his removal from
Maryland and he opened a Greek and Latin school
at York, Pennsylvania, which flourished until he
became rector of St. Thomas' parish in Maryland.

7 97

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

In 1785 the Academy of the Protestant Epis-
copal Church in Philadelphia was established and
Dr. Andrews was selected to preside over it, which
he did with great success until the old Charter
and rights were restored to the University in 1779.
Then the Episcopal Academy became of secondary
importance because of the school connected with
the College, and Dr. Andrews became Vice-Provost
and Professor of Moral Philosophy in the new
University of Pennsylvania. In 1810 he became
Provost, but his health had begun to decline, and
in 1812 he resigned after a long and distinguished
connection with the institution. He died on the
29th of March, universally beloved. He was a
systematic, punctual man, readily adaptable to
conditions and associations which caused his
accustomed dignity to unbend to mirth and gayety
when with his friends. He was generous, unas-
suming and mild, and seldom had to recede from
his judgment. His sermons were simple and
sincere, inspiring confidence by their genuine
piety and pure morality. His pupils learned from
his example, patience and industry, and he com-
manded the affection of them all.

Frederick Beasley, D.D., fifth Provost, was a
clergyman of the Episcopal Church and a graduate
of Princeton, 1797. He was born at Edenton,
North Carolina, 1777. After his graduation he
was a tutor and in 1801 was ordained. He had

THE PROVOSTS

parishes at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, Christ
Church, Baltimore, and St. Peter's Church, Albany,
New York. He was appointed Provost of the
University in 1813 and held the position for 15
years, when he became rector of the Episcopal
Church at Trenton, New Jersey. He died at
Elizabethtown, New Jersey, November 2, 1845.
He was a scholar of note and enthusiasm.

William Heathcote DeLancey, D.D., D.C.L.,
LL.D., sixth Provost, was a man of wide distinc-
tion, a graduate of Yale, 1817, and the recipient of
honourary degrees from Oxford, Yale and Union.
He was born at Mamaroneck, New York, Octo-
ber 8, 1797, and after leaving college studied
theology under Bishop Hobart. He was ordained
deacon in 1819 and priest in 1822, whereupon he
became Bishop White's assistant in Philadelphia.
He was secretary of the Diocesan Convention of
Pennsylvania and of the House of Bishops. In
1828 he become Provost of the University, but
his mind and heart were in the Church and he
remained but five years, becoming rector of St.
Peter's after Bishop White's death.

In 1838 Dr. DeLancey became Bishop of
western New York and gave much time to the
support of Hobart College at Geneva. In 1852 he
was the delegate of the American Bishops to
England and was a leader of the High-Church
party. Andrew D. White in his biography says

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

that Bishop DeLancey was the most impressive
man he had ever seen. "His entry into a church
chancel was an event; no music could be finer than
his reading of the service; his confirmation prayer
still dwells in my memory as the most perfect
petition I have ever heard; and his simple, earnest
sermons took strong hold of me."

The seventh Provost was John Ludlow, D.D.,
LL.D., continuing the line of clergymen who
held that office. He was born at Aquackanonk,
New Jersey, December 13, 1793, and first studied
law, then theology, and became pastor of the
Reformed Dutch Church at New Brunswick, New
Jersey. From 1823 to 1834 ne was pastor of the
Church in Albany and left to become Provost of
the University. He remained until 1853, when he
took the chair of ecclesiastical history in the Theo-
logical Seminary of the Reformed Dutch Church
at New Brunswick, New Jersey, where his desire
had always rested. He died in Philadelphia,
September 8, 1857.

A break from the church was made in the
choice of the eighth Provost. Henry Vethake,
LL.D., was born at Essequibo, Guiana, South
America, in 1702, graduated from Columbia 1808,
and was instructor there in mathematics and
geography in 1813. He taught at Rutgers and
the New York City University and was President
of Washington College, Virginia, in 1825-26. In

100

THE PROVOSTS

1836 the University of Pennsylvania made him
Professor of Mathematics and in 1854 he was
chosen Provost and Professor of Philosophy. He
was known among the students as "Pap" Vethake.
He published works on political economy and
education and was a contributor to periodicals.
He resigned from the University in 1859 an^ died
in Philadelphia December 16, 1866. Dr. Vethake
suffered from dyspepsia and was much affected in
disposition on this account, a peppery Provost
having a difficult course to travel.

The ninth Provost was again a churchman.
Daniel Raynes Goodwin was born in North Ber-
wick, Maine, April 12, 1811. His early schooling
in the sparsely settled New England country was
mostly obtained at home, but he entered Bowdoin
College at Brunswick, Maine, at the age of seven-
teen and soon became foremost in scholarship, so
that he was ahead of his teacher and instructed
his own class in Greek and Latin. Being graduated
in 1832 he taught school for a while and was back
at Bowdoin in 1835 as tutor, soon succeeding
Henry W. Longfellow as Professor of Modern
Languages. Travel abroad and studies in philol-
ogy and history enriched his powers, and writing
became his recreation. In 1848 he was ordained
a priest by the Episcopal Church. In 1853 he
became President of Trinity College at Hartford,
Connecticut, and taught modern languages, and

101

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

moral and intellectual philosophy. Bowdoin made
him a Doctor of Divinity in 1855.

The University chose Dr. Goodwin Provost in
1860 and he held the position until 1868, when he
became Dean of the Philadelphia Divinity School,
where he had been teaching apologetics. Dr.
Goodwin was very active in the Church and dili-
gent in his labors on behalf of the Low-Church
party. He was tall, dignified and had a musical
voice. He was a member of the American Philo-
sophical Society as well as numerous other organi-
zations and a publicist of note.

Charles Janeway Stille, LL.D., tenth Pro-
vost, marked the final abandonment of the rule
that the University's guiding hand must be a
clergyman. Dr. Stille found an institution that
had fallen far away from the early prominence
enjoyed before the vicissitudes of State control
in 1779. The Civil War had further strained its
resources and influence. It is to Dr. Stille that
we owe the beginning of our present University.
He was the first Philadelphian to head its Univer-
sity. His provostship began in 1868 and marked
the entrance of the University into the place it
had held in Colonial days. Old restrictions were
abandoned, and progressive reorganization of the
College undertaken, the Faculty greatly strength-
ened, contributions secured, and the great move
to West Philadelphia accomplished. The last was

102

THE PROVOSTS

made possible by a grant of the land by the City
Councils at $8000 an acre. In June, 1871, the
cornerstone of College Hall was laid, and in
September, 1872, the new building was occupied.

Dr. Stille was born September 23, 1819, was
educated in the Academic Department of the
University and at Yale, where he graduated in
1839. He studied law under Jared R. Ingersoll
in Philadelphia and was admitted to the bar in
1842. Travel and study occupied his time until
the Civil War, when he became a Philadelphia
Associate of the United States Sanitary Commis-
sion, publishing a history of the whole movement.
He also wrote at this time a pamphlet entitled
"How a Free People Conduct a Long War," and
another called "Northern Interest and Southern
Independence."

In 1864 he was made Professor of Belles
Lettres, English Language and Literature in the
University and in 1878 became the first incumbent
of the John Welsh Chair of History and English
Literature. A somewhat irascible and un concilia-
tory disposition lessened his influence with Trus-
tees and students, but this was no doubt in large
measure caused by the subjugation in which the
Trustees had always kept the Provost and Facul-
ties. His broad and progressive suggestions were
mainly pigeon-holed, and his cautions regarding
finance disregarded so that the institution got

103

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

greatly into debt. The anonymous recollections
of his provostship which he has left are a sad
recital of a capable, vigorous man thwarted. He
resigned in 1880 and devoted the rest of his life to
study and writing history. His monograph on
Dr. William Smith and his biographies of Anthony
Wayne and John Dickinson are among the valuable
contributions he made while President of the
Pennsylvania Historical Society, a position he
held until his death on August n, 1899. Yale
made him a Doctor of Laws in 1868 and Pennsyl-
vania in 1894.

William Pepper, M.D., LL.D., was born in
Philadelphia, August 21, 1843, and graduated
from the College as Valedictorian of the Class of
1862 after a brilliant undergraduate career which
included many prizes, the presidency of his class,
and membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He took the
degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1864 and began a
successful career as a physician. He soon began
lecturing at the University and was made Professor
of Clinical Medicine in 1874. After ten years
here he became Professor of the Theory and Prac-
tice of Medicine. He was prominent in many
medical associations as editor, writer, author of
textbooks and practitioner. His addresses before
medical bodies attracted much attention and
his fame became world-wide. When he became
Provost in 1 88 1 he began a wise and energetic

104

THE PROVOSTS

leadership. For the first time in the history of
the University he insisted upon a place at the
Trustees' meetings as a condition of his accep-
tance of the post of Provost and thus removed a
cause of irritation that had handicapped the
University from the beginning. The office became
a purely administrative one under Dr. Pepper.
His leadership, organizing ability and attractive
personality at once won great success for the
institution, backed up as it was by the financial
ability and generosity of Charles C. Harrison, his
classmate and chairman of the Ways and Means
Committee of the Board of Trustees. By this
combination the property of the University in
land and buildings was greatly increased, from 15
acres to 54. The faculty of 88 to 268, and the
students from 982 to 2180.

The University Hospital, the Museum, the
Free Library System, the Commercial Museums,
University Extension, and the Pennsylvania
Museum and School of Industrial Art are some
of the monuments to Dr. Pepper's energy. He
received the degree of Doctor of Laws from Lafay-
ette in 1 88 1 and from Princeton in 1888. He had
an intense energy and capacity for work which,
coupled with his capability and irresistible persua-
siveness, made his life as full as could possibly be
imagined. He retired in 1894 and died suddenly
at Oakland, California, July 28, 1898.

105

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Charles Custis Harrison, LL.D., twelfth Pro-
vost, is perhaps too well known by the present
generation to need an introduction here, and the
author of this book wishes to escape the writing of
contemporary history. It would seem a pity,
however, to abridge the record of Provosts,
and as the University's progress under Dr. Har-
rison's guidance has already been outlined, some
facts of his life may well be added. He was born
in Philadelphia in 1844. As a young man he
played cricket well and was an accomplished
musician. His gentleness and courtesy are carried
into the details of his association with individuals
and this addition to his large capacity for bigger
affairs has brought him much accomplishment.
The degree of Doctor of Laws has been conferred
upon him by Princeton and Columbia in 1896,
Yale in 1901, and Pennsylvania in 1911. In
1885, upon the death of John Welsh, Mr. Har-
rison was made Chairman of the Ways and
Means Committee of the Board of Trustees and
from that time to his retirement in 1910 he
guided the finances of the institution. How
much his own generosity contributed to its
progress will never be known, but while he was
Provost, from 1894 to 1911, he raised ten
million dollars in contributions. It will never
be known how intimate and helpful he was with
undergraduates in his quiet, retiring way. His

106

THE PROVOSTS

classmate, John Cadwalader, in presenting his
portrait to the University said :

Charles Harrison from early childhood has been a close
student, indefatigable and never satisfied unless able to lead
efficiently in any work he undertook. At the Episcopal
Academy the boys sat in chapel and classrooms according
to their rank. When dismissed they were called to rise in
order, one, two, three, etc., class by class, and every leader
was marked as he headed in single file his fellows. Harrison,
as I well remember, always led his Class. In college the
ranking was publicly announced every term and Harrison,
never below third, after the Sophomore year always stood
the first in our class. In this way distinction was shown and
rewarded.

On July 3, 1862, twenty-five college men, as we thought
ourselves, stood before the then Provost in Musical Fund
Hall to receive the degree of A.B. in course. Charles Custis
Harrison, taking the first honor, made the Salutatory ad-
dress, opening with these words:

dv0' tov ijAdeTe iv rawrjj rr) ^//^/>a iva
&eutpo?T£ ^Ata? paxpou %aip£tv ^oaCavra? rrj

I am afraid they are indeed "Greek" to most of those
who hear them today. Then it was not deemed out of place
to appeal to that "most intelligent audience" and "thank
them for coming to see our class, and bid a long farewell to
the University " in a language educated persons were expected
to understand.

I would be glad to give the whole address, for it received
the highest praise from that great scholar, Professor George
Allen, who inspired us all by his own love for the humanities.
Of those twenty-five graduates, twenty were nineteen years
old or younger. Harrison was just eighteen.

Six months after his graduation, Harrison, who had
intended to enter the Army and was actually in camp, was

107

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

urged by his father to return and form a firm to purchase
and conduct a great sugar refinery which had not been suc-
cessful in the hands of its former owners. Thus when only
eighteen years old he headed the firm of Harrison, Newhall
& Welsh, later Harrison & Havemeyer, and finally Harrison,
Frazier & Company until incorporated as the Franklin Sugar
Refining Company, the family being the only stockholders.
The extensive nature of this business may be realized
when it is stated that the refinery had an annual capacity of
over 600,000,000 pounds of raw sugar. It was probably at
that time the largest manufacturing firm in Pennsylvania, if
not in the United States.

The public has very generally considered Dr. Harrison
as a man of great business ability but has overlooked the
intellectual side of his life.

In 1876 when only thirty-two he was elected a Trustee
of the University and soon became Chairman of the Com-
mittee on Ways and Means. In 1892 he retired from busi-
ness and two years later his former classmate, Dr. Pepper,
resigned as Provost and Dr. Harrison was unanimously
chosen to succeed him.

His sixteen years as Provost produced wonderful
changes in the University.

Those of us who have served with him on the Board saw
how quietly he presided and with what precision every mat-
ter to be considered was prepared and arranged. There
was no delay, every question was promptly answered, and all
material needed to show facts, inquired into, was always
ready and at hand.

He saw the great value of a dormitory system and all
who have visited Oxford or Cambridge know what an in-
spiration to students life at a university may be. The beau-
tiful dormitories designed by the great architects, Cope and
Stewardson, under Dr. Harrison's supervision, are in them-
selves a noble monument to his judgment and indefatigable
efforts.

108

VISTA ON THIRTY-THIRD STREET
Showing Gymnasium, Franklin
Statue and Museum

THE PROVOSTS

On becoming Provost he resigned directorship on the
many boards of banks and other institutions he had filled to
devote himself entirely to the great work he had assumed.

The wonderful growth in all departments must amaze
anyone who considers the matter. No Trustee ever had to
enquire as to funds when Dr. Harrison presented any pro-
posal; the only question to be discussed was its wisdom, not
its cost, for the Trustees knew he had provided the means
before he suggested the measure.

In 1895 he established "The George Leib Harrison
Foundation for the Encouragement of Liberal Studies and
the Advancement of Knowledge" as a memorial to his
father, giving #500,000 to provide for the scholarships.

Modest to a fault and living in a community singularly
unmindful of what is due to its great citizens, there are few
men who have any idea that this great man of business began
his career and continues today to be truly a scholar. His
activities have never ceased. Believing that after thirty-six
years of service as Trustee and Provost he should make way
for one whose capacities he knew and whose years could
promise continued work in the field so well established, he
retired.

Dr. Harrison has not lessened his interest in our Univer-
sity. With untiring zeal and generosity he is giving his great
abilities and time and money to the work of the University
Museum. The beautiful dome, bearing Dr. Harrison's
name, stands out against the horizon a fitting tribute to his
earnest efforts in this cause.

"Fitting" indeed, for the great acreage from
Thirty-Fourth Street to the river, partly occupied
by the Museum, was saved to the University by
Dr. Harrison. Years ago when the Brill Car
Works and builders tried to get this section from
Chancellor Street to Spruce for the erection of

109

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

factories and little houses, Dr. Harrison bid it in
and held it until the University could take it over.
How vital this was for the University's progress
and welfare may be easily imagined when we
remember that today Franklin Field, the Museums,
the Morgan Laboratories of Physics, the Harrison
Laboratory of Chemistry, and the Engineering
and Architectural Buildings occupy the ground
and there remains of it the only vacant space for
the University's expansion.

Edgar Fahs Smith is the thirteenth Provost
of the University, and as no fitting tribute or
account could be made until his stewardship is
complete it seems best to close with the simple
record of his incumbency which began in 1911
after a connection with the University dating from
1876. He was born at York, Pennsylvania, in 1855
and was graduated from Pennsylvania College,
Gettysburg, in 1874. His studies at the Univer-
sity of Gottingen resulted in the degrees of A.M.
and Ph.D. in 1876. He came to Pennsylvania
then as assistant to Professor Genth in Chemistry.
In 1 88 1 he was called to Muhlenberg College,
Allentown, in chemistry and in 1883 to Witten-
berg College, Ohio. In 1888 he returned to Penn-
sylvania as Analytical Professor of Chemistry and
in 1898 was appointed Vice-Provost. As a scientific
investigator in the field of electro-chemistry Dr.
Smith has a world-wide reputation and his text-

THE PROVOSTS

books are authorities. He is connected with many
scientific bodies and was for several years president
of the American Philosophical Society. He has
had the following degrees conferred upon him:

A.M. and Ph.D., Gottingen, 1876; LL.D., Wisconsin,
1904; Pennsylvania, 1906; Pennsylvania College, 1906;
Franklin and Marshall, 1910; Rutgers, 1911; Pittsburgh,
1912; Wittenberg, 1914; Brown, 1914; L.H.D., Muhlenberg,
1911; Pennsylvania, 1899; Sc.D., Dublin, 1912; Yale, 1914;
Litt.D., Swarthmore, 1918.

It is perhaps in his intimate relations of every-
day life that he is best known, and the living
alumni need no written attempt to describe this.

CHAPTER III

THE SEAL, THE COLOURS, THE CHEER
AND THE SONGS

THE seal and motto of the University
have undergone several changes, al-
though a part of each remains from the
earliest days. We do not know who
designed the pile of books upon a desk-top used for
the diplomas of the first graduating class in 1757,
but we know that Provost William Smith selected
a quotation from Horace, "Quid Leges, sine Mor-
ibus, vanae proficient," as the motto for his "Col-
lege of Mirania," the ideal institution after which he
planned the Academy and College in Philadelphia."
Thus "Leges, sine Moribus, vanae" appears upon
the book-plate of the library as early as 1764 and
as the motto of the University until 1866 when in
some unrecorded way "Literae" was substituted for
"Leges." The designer of the seal found it incon-
venient or inartistic, in his opinion, to include the
desk-top and "leges," the first word of the motto,
believing, no doubt, that the pile of books would in-
dicate the word as the picture of a boot often tells
the trade of its maker, upon his sign. In 1900 some
wag translated the mutilated inscription, "sine
Moribus vanae, " as "loose women without morals,"
and this so distressed Trustee Horace Howard
Furness that he had "Literae" placed in front of

112

SEAL, COLOURS, CHEER AND SONGS

the other three words. In the new seal designed
in 1900 the Trustees approved a further addition
of an incorrect rendition of the arms borne by
William Penn, which complicated the simple,
quaint and historical design of the founders. No
doubt the Penn arms were intended to commem-
orate the granting of the charter and liberal
gifts by Governor Thomas Penn, although his good
Quaker father would most certainly have objected
since the College was the stronghold of the Epis-
copal party and its Provost a vigourous opponent
of the Quakers. From 1782 to some time prior
to 1812 and from near 1840 until 1848 the seal
displayed the orrery of David Rittenhouse, Vice-
Provost, and the greatest American astronomer.

The University colours were heraldic blue, a
bright shade of blue and rather unimportant until
the development of competitive athletics in the
late eighteen-seventies. This colour was displayed
upon University occasions and was worn by our
first football teams and crews, generally a blue and
white jersey or a white jersey for the oarsmen with
a blue U. P. This was worn by a member of the
crew through the season of 1879 but more wide and
public competition began to cause some confusion
with the colours of Columbia University.

The lining of the hoods given to the graduates
was blue in colour as was the ribbon attached to
the seal on their diplomas.

8 113

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

The origin of the Red and Blue of today has
been the subject of some controversy. In 1779
the Adjutant-General of the State of Pennsyl-
vania recommended to the Assembly that a red
and blue cockade be adopted as the State's col-
ours and the militia laws of 1802 and 1807 con-
firmed this as the State cockade. This is mentioned,
however, merely as an interesting event; it had
nothing to do so far as is known with the subse-
quent choice of the University colours but it
seems to make them more appropriate. The
Class of 1867 adopted a badge of red and blue
ribbons with the class motto and year inscribed
upon it. This appears to be the first record of the
use of these colours at the University. The
universal adoption of the colours came, however,
through athletics, naturally enough since they were
the only channel of public competition. The first
time that they were worn was by Henry Laussat
Geyelin, '77, at some games at Saratoga, New York,
July IJ/, 1875, given by the Inter-Collegiate Rowing
Association and a citizens' committee of Saratoga.
Geyelin was Pennsylvania's only representative and
entered upon his own responsibility. He was asked
what colours he would wear and finding almost all
other combinations had been selected by other Col-
leges he chose a cap of red and blue which had been
used intheracesof the New York Yacht Club, as they

represented two of the colours of the national flag.

114

HALL ON SPRUCE STREET

SEAL, COLOURS, CHEER AND SONGS

A number of undergraduates were wont to
meet in the gallery of Holy Trinity Church on
Sunday afternoons and here in the north-east
corner they were discussing one Sunday in Jan-
uary, 1876, the approaching athletic meet in
which Harvard and Yale were the most prominent
competitors. In talking of Pennsylvania's chances
Addinell Hewson, '76, exclaimed "Let's beat
them with their own colours !" At a meeting of the
Athletic Association on the Monday following, in
Professor Sadtler's room under that used by
Professor Kendall in the north-west corner of
College Hall, presided over by Henry W. Andrews,
'76, it was proposed that Pennsylvania join the
Inter-Collegiate Athletic Association. With the
approval of this and the choice of Andrews and
Geyelin as delegates to the meeting in New York
the necessity arose for an official sanction of
colours. Accordingly John Neill, '77, moved the
adoption of red and blue and he was seconded by
Addinell Hewson, '76, who suggested that the
shirt be red and the trousers blue amid much
laughter. Hewson's suggestion of the day before,
though independent, therefore coincided with
Geyelin's choice of the previous summer, and his
thought as to the combination of the colours of
Harvard and Yale seems to have prevailed for a
time because there is testimony of some objection
to the magenta shade of red used by Harvard. In
July, 1876, Geyelin succeeded in collecting a

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

number of undergraduates to enter the first field
sports of the Inter-Collegiate Athletic Association
at Saratoga. They were handsomely entertained
there by Hugh L. Willoughby, '77, whose hospit-
able house was opened to them. On the top of the
coach that took them to the games John Neill
suggested the University cheer of "Hoorah!
Hoorah! Hoorah! Pennsylvania!" which has rung
out so heartily ever since. So it is that the names
of Geyelin, Neill and Hewson should be revered
among Pennsylvania men for all time. Theirs is a
heritage that can never fail.

Cheering was not generally organized until the
advent of Horace Palmer Beck, '970, '98M, one
of three brothers all famous Pennsylvania athletes.
Horace Beck came from Wilkes Barre, Pennsyl-
vania, and was a crew man and wrestler. "Becky"
was an energetic, spectacular, loyal soul. He
started the University Band in 1897 through con-
tributions he collected from the alumni and by
passing the hat along the line of march when the
students paraded for University Day, Commence-
ment or celebrations. He decorated the Dormi-
tories and organized riots in Broad Street Station
after football victories. He took charge of the
students on the Old Field and afterward on
Franklin Field. He just carried everything along
with him and had the crowd cheering itself hoarse
in no time. He "whoop-de-doodled" the "Wil-
liam Goat" song and started all feet a-tumping

116

SEAL, COLOURS, CHEER AND SONGS

and all throats a-yelping. After the long hoorahs
that only Beck could produce he would call for the
old "Os-kee-wow-wow ! Whiskey- wow-wow, Holy
muckle-ii, Kintuck-e-ii, Penn-syl-van-e-ii ! " After
this blood-curdling, cruel yell he would bring us
to chirping " Chee ! Hee ! Chee ! Ha ! Chee-ha-ha-ha !
Pennsyl! Pennsyl! Van-i-a!" And "Becky" did
more yelling than anyone in the crowd. No one
who has come after him has approached his mag-
netism or spontaneous participation. He is now
a very dignified and successful physician in New-
port, Rhode Island, and the cheering is very highly
organized by a number of carefully selected cheer-
leaders. A "locomotive" yell has been added and
a more staccato effect for the "Pennsylvania."

The Glee Club was founded on Tuesday,
November 5, 1862, by Francis Ashhurst, '64,
William W. Newton, '65, Richard N. Thomas, '65,
Thomas Mitchell, '65, John C. Sims, Jr., '65,
William E. Rogers, '65, J. H. Brown, '65, and
George H. Bates, '65. A constitution and by-laws
were adopted and signed and a serious, enthu-
astic career begun. Mr. T. Bishop was chosen
music teacher and the following is a description
of the first concert written by John C. Sims, '65.
This account from their old record book tells the
story of the first organized Music at the University
and the songs they sang gives us a colourful picture
of undergraduate life in those days.

117

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

CONCERT OF THE GLEE CLUB OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENN-
SYLVANIA GIVEN ON MONDAY EVENING MAY 23, 1864,
AT THE HALL OF THE UNIVERSITY. IN AID OF THE
GREAT CENTRAL FAIR.

The Glee Club gave a concert in aid of the Great Cen-
tral Fair for the Sanitary Commission on the evening of
Monday, May 23rd, (1864) and after defraying expenses
realized for the Fair the sum of two hundred and two dollars
thirty one cents ($202.31) which was handed in to the Chair-
man of the Committee on College per Mr. Ellis Williams,
Class of '65. The following gentlemen sang: Francis Ash-
hurst, Dr. E. C. Bullard, Thomas Mitchell, John N. Mitchell,
Wm. W. Newton, Francis J. C. Headman, George Woolsey
Hodge, John H. Easby, Lieut. Mclntyre, Thomas C. Miles,
Clement S. Phillips, Henry Emlen, Albert Redles, William
W. Montgomery, Thomas Stichter, and John C. Sims, Jr.,
in all sixteen. Francis Ashhurst presided at the piano,
which was a Bradbury loaned by Andre & Co., and Thomas
Mitchell acted as leader. Mr. Bishop, the former musical
instructor of the Club was invited upon the platform.

Copy of the Programme

Concert of the
Glee Club of the University of Pennsylvania

in aid of the

Great Central Fair

at the Hall of the University

on Monday Evening

May 23d, 1864,

Programme

Part First

Gaudeamus igitur, Chorus

Integer Vitae, Quartet

Sleep Well, Solo

Lauriger Horatius, Quartet

118

SEAL, COLOURS, CHEER AND SONGS

Let every young Sophomore, Solo & Chorus

We think it is no Sin, Sir, Chorus

Co-ca-che-lunc (with Examination Doxology) Solo & Chorus

Part Second

Lutzour's " Wild Hunt " Quartet

The last Cigar, Solo & Chorus

There's Music in the Air, Quartet

Tears, Solo

Upidee, Solo & Chorus

Landlord fill the flowing bowl, Quartet

Alma Mater O, Solo & Chorus

Rally round the Flag, Chorus

The Piano used on the occasion (Bradbury & Co.)
is kindly loaned by Andre & Co.

Tickets, Fifty Cents
Doors open at *]% o'clock Commences at 8 o'clock

Expenses of the Concert of the
Glee Club, Monday May 23d, 1864.

Hire of Piano (for practising) from Schomaker &

Co. two weeks use and cartage $10,00
Printing 1000 cards of admission, Old Style Type

by Evans & Co. 6.50

Dearest Mae .25

Advertising (4 times Press) (5 times Bulletin) 4 . 25
Cartage of Piano loaned by Andre & Co., (and

music stand) 4-5°

Printing of Programmes 4.75

For Hall (Dick for gas $2., Alfred $2.50) 4. 50

Lutzour's Wild Hunt .25

Blue Ribbons (College Colours) 1 .68

Loaned by T. Mitchell for piano 5 .00

" music .25

" " printing cards 3.25

For Doorkeeper 1 . 50

119

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Mr. Frank Darley and Mr. Elsegood were also on the
platform and Dr. Samuel Ashhurst. Dr. Bullard sang
" Sleep Well." The Quartet was composed of John N. Mitch-
ell, First Tenor, John C. Sims, Jr., Second Tenor, Thomas
Mitchell, First Bass and Dr. Bullard, Second Bass. The
Solo of "Let every young Sophomore" was sung by John N.
Mitchell. The duet in the middle of "We think it is no Sin,
Sir," was sung by J. Mitchell & Sims & Co-ca-che-lunc"
(with "Examination Doxology") solo by Sims. In the Sec-
ond Part "The last Cigar" by Sims, Tears which was to have
been sung by Dr. Bullard was omitted because Ashhurst
had learned the wrong accompaniment.

Dr. Bullard was stationed at Mowyer Hospital, Chest-
nut Hill, and hence could practise but little with the Club.
Upidee, solo sung by J. Mitchell, Landlord fill the flowing
Bowl by Sims, Alma Mater O, by Sims and second part in
middle by J. Mitchell, Rally Round the Flag by Dr. Bullard.
A comic programme was gotten up and circulated through
the audience, by members of the Junior Class (Class of '65)
Professor Frazer was very obliging to the Club while prac-
tising for the Concert, and loaned his room. Dr. Goodwin
granted the use of the Chapel to the Club both to practise in
before the Concert and to hold the Concert in. Hamilton,
doorkeeper at Musical Fund Hall was employed at $1.50 for
the evening. George H. Bates, formerly a member of the
Club, sold the tickets at the door, realizing there nearly
thirty ($30) dollars. R. Somers Hayes and George Oakman
of Class of '64 acted as gentlemen ushers and showed ladies
to seats and distributed programmes. Dr. Goodwin took
four (4) tickets; Prof. Frazer four, Prof. Kendall, two; Prof.
Allen, two; Prof. Coppee, two and Prof. Jackson took none.
The audience on the occasion was unusually select and
large, the Hall being filled to its utmost capacity. The
Quartets, ("Integer Vitae," "There's Music in the Air,"
"Lauriger Horatius," & Loutzour's "Wild Hunt") were not
as well performed as it was expected they would be.

120

SEAL, COLOURS, CHEER AND SONGS

There were a number of encores during the evening. In
"Let every young Sophomore" the last verse was arranged
as follows:

"Though we think Mathematics decidedly flat

We'll cheer good Prof. Kendall in spite of all that"
Also in Alma Mater O, the word Penn was substituted for
Yale — thus —

"For Sons of "Penn" can ne'er forget

Their Alma Mater O."

A criticism appeared in the Press of the next day; quite
cutting but somewhat encouraging and written in a disgus-
tingly patronizing way. Mr. Francis Wells appeared on the
stage between the parts and requested that Mr. Bishop be
asked to sing. Lemonade and Ice Water were provided and
kept in Prof. Frazer's Lecture Room; where the Club met.
Blue being the College colours, the members of the Club all
wore blue ribbons in their buttonholes.

It is worthy of record that Madam Casey's school came
en masse, twenty in number, the Secretary of the Club
having written a polite invitation to the Madam & also to
Madam Anable, to the latter without effect.

The comic Programme circulated by '65, was
as follows:

University Gay Club
A Blow For The Benefit

of the
U. S. Satanary Commission

Programme

Part First

1. Solo — The Captain with (out) his whiskers.

Mr. T. Mitchell

2. Chorus — Gaudeamus igitur juvenes Dumb Sumus.

Gay Club

121

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

3. Solo — Was ist des Deutschen Vaterland?

(The singer expects to be encored, and if so»
will sing John Brown's Body)
Mr. Stichter

4. Solo — Lannigan's Ball (in the original).

Prof. Kendall

5. Solo — Is it cold up there?

Mr. Simes

6. Duet— The Ham Fat Man.

Messrs Ashhurst and Emlen

7. Solo— Hark from the Tombs a Doleful Sound!

Mr. Reddles

8. Solo — Let me Kiss him for his Mother,

He's the broth of a boy;
When this cruel war is over
No Irish need apply.

Mr. Easby

3. Solo — The American Doodle, an adaptation for the
occasion.

Prof. C.

Intermission of Five Minutes

During which Misses Meigs of the Sophomore Class
will be drilled for the Benefit of the audience.

Part Second

1. Solo — (Per Nasum) — I would I were a bishop and folks

that put on airs.

Mr. Hodge

2. Lieut. Montgomery ist, will next amuse the company

by holding his tongue. N.B. Encore.

3. Quartette — The Girl I left behind me (with double

Brazilian accompaniments).
Mr. Newton

4. Prof. Jackson will here repeat his Grand Feet of Dancing

an Asclepiadic Choriambus — with Lydia Dic(k).

122

SEAL, COLOURS, CHEER AND SONGS

5. Duett — The Siamese Twins.

Messrs J. Mitchell and Simes

6. The Editor of the United States Service Magazine, to

secure a good night's rest for the audience, will here
read his last Editorial (without gestures).

7. The Examination Doxology, will close the Performance.

N.B. The Members not being able to get through,
expect the ladies to join in.

8. Benediction, by Prof. Frazer, (without notes).

The words of a number of the songs used were
written by the members and what may be called
the first University song-book was a little single-
sheet folder, three by four inches, with some of
these printqd upon it.

IT'S THE WAY WE HAVE AT OLD PENN, SIR!
We've just come out to sing, Sir,
Our books aside to sling, Sir,
And make the building ring, Sir,
To drive dull care away.

CHORUS
It's the way we have at old Penn, Sir, etc.

For where on earth's the wrong, Sir,
To sing a college song, Sir,
Provided it's not too long, Sir,

To drive dull care away?
CHORUS

For does not Horace say, Sir,
Black care is blown away, Sir,
By a trifling little lay, Sir?

So drive dull care away.

CHORUS
123

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

We're a band of College boys, Sir,
Who sing of College joys, Sir,
And make a jolly noise, Sir,

To drive dull care away.
CHORUS

We think it is no sin, Sir,

To take the Freshmen in, Sir, etc., etc.

"LAURIGER"

Translated by JOHN H. EASBY, '65
Horace, with the laurel crowned,

Truly hast thou spoken;
Time, destroying, glides his round;

Dearest ties are broken.

CHORUS
Give us cups of honeyed bliss,

Cups with nectar laden,
And the pout — the yielding kiss —

Of some blushing maiden.

Let the grape grow rich and ripe;

May the maiden flourish;
But the poet's thirsty pipe

Tune with drinks that nourish.

CHORUS
Give us cups of honeyed bliss,

Cups with nectar laden;
Grant the coy, half-willing kiss

Of some blooming maiden.

Why should fame delight us here

If love be not given,
And the cup, brimfull of cheer,

Nectar-lips and Heaven?
124

SEAL, COLOURS, CHEER AND SONGS

CHORUS
Give us then the cup and kiss,

With rich nectar laden;
Change each coy or flirty miss

To a loving maiden.

JOLLY JUNIORS

Air, "Scots wae has wi9 Wallace bled"

By JOHN C. SIMS, JR.
Jolly Juniors, let us roar;
Fresh and Soph'more days are o'er;
We have reached Canaan's shore;

We are lazy Junes.
Let us sing our College glees,
Smoke our pipes and take our ease,
And flirt with the girls — for such agrees

With jolly, lazy Junes.
Soon will come Commencement Day
Then we'll throw our cribs away,
And Doctor solemnly will say,

Friends, you are A. B's.
Then we'll have a marriage spree,
Do our duty manfully,
And in a year or so you'll see

A little jolly June.

EXAMINATION PIE ( )

(Expressive of the feelings of the Senior Class in having
passed their late examination.) Dedication to the

Class of '65
Air— "John Brown99
By W. W. NEWTON, '65
Sing a song of sixpence — a pocket full of rye,
Four and twenty Seniors baked in a pie ( ),
Who through the crust of college life the daylight 'most can spy
As we go marching on.

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

CHORUS

Heigh hoi Brothers, sing it merrily;
Heigh ho ! Brothers, sing it cheerily ;
Heigh ho! Brothers, sing it verily;
For we are marching on.

The Faculty were in their rooms a-feeling very funny;
The Major he was down below eating bread and honey;
The Freshmen, bless their little hearts, were getting eased of

money;
And all were traveling on.

CHORUS

The Sophomores were feeling gay and hanging out new clothes ;
The Juniors were groaning on beneath a weight of woes;
When down came the Calculus and struck us — how? Dear

knows;
But still we're marching on.

CHORUS

Now when the pie ( ) was opened the Seniors they did sing
And made the dusty chapel walls with joyful voices ring;
And the wondering Freshmen thought that it was quite a

funny thing;
And thus we're marching on.

CHORUS

And now that we are almost through we mean to take our ease

Until the day on which we settle up the Major's fees,

When we end our College course and take our Bachelor's

degrees,
And so be marching on.

CHORUS

Heigh ho! Brothers, sing it merrily,
Heigh ho ! Brothers, sing it cheerily;
Heigh ho! Brothers, sing it verily;
For we are marching on. (Amen.)
126

SEAL, COLOURS, CHEER AND SONGS

MATHEW MATICS
Old Mathew Matics had a little angle
Which used to make the Freshmen wrangle
And gnarled them up in a dreadful tangle —
, This little angle, oh!

CHORUS

One little angle — two little angles —
Three little angles — four little angles —
A right little angle — a cute little angle —
Six little angles, oh!

ALMA MATER— A SONG
(Translated in Philo. Maj., February 6, 1886, by JOHN H

EASBY, '65)
Air, "Juanita"
Sweetly the moonlight

Silvers with its rays the skies;
Soft through the midnight

Singing voices rise;
Let their mellow sweetness,

Floating through the slumbering air,
Praise old Time, whose fleetness
Bears away "Dark Care."

CHORUS
Alma Mater,
Alma Mater

Friendship's joys around thee cling;
Alma Mater,
Alma Mater,

We thy praises sing.

Soon though we leave thee,

Soon though we forsake thy tender care,
We'll ne'er forget thee;

We thy children are.
127

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Brothers, sing in chorus

While our hearts are free from care;
Life is short — soon cometh

One who will not spare.

CHORUS
Alma Mater,
Alma Mater,

Sweetly may our voices ring,
Alma Mater,
Alma Mater,

As of thee we sing.

Join we in chorus;

Hours glide by on rapid wing;
Grief may come o'er us,

When we may not sing.
Children of one mother,

Let us by each other stand,
Till our life is over

Go we hand in hand.

CHORUS
Alma Mater,
Alma Mater,

Heaven's dew upon thee fall,
Alma Mater,
Alma Mater,

Mother of us all.

TO THE LADIES
By CHARLES GILPIN, JR., '64

We students hold your memory sweet;
Gladly we your presence greet
When we meet you in the street,
Where the "dress parade" is.
128

SEAL, COLOURS, CHEER AND SONGS

Be you dark or be you fair,
With golden curls or raven hair,
Of stately mien or saucy air,

We don't forget you, Ladies.
Senior, Freshman, gay Soph'more,
Junior, whom "Mechanics" floor,
Vote Athene quite a bore

And adore the Graces.
Greek is crabbed, Latin dry;
The "Calculus" our souls doth try;
For consolation now we fly

To your pretty faces.
What care we for Goodwin's gown,
Ccppee's beard or Frazer's frown?
We'd lay our highest honours down

If you'd take the present.
What care we for metric feet
When on crowded Chestnut Street
Pretty dipodees we meet?

Scanning them is pleasant.
May he flunk in every room;
May his lot be one of gloom;
May he meet an early doom

And descend to Hades;
May he summoned be each week;
Break down when he tries to speak;
Let every student vengeance wreak

On him who scorns the Ladies.

WHAT CAN A FELLOW DO?
Air, " The Captain with his Whiskers"

By CHARLES GILPIN, JR.
You're walking down to College,

With your Horace in your hand,
And longing for a knowledge

Of the ode as yet unscanned,
9 129

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

When some pretty face nods smiling

And off with her takes you;
For when girls are so beguiling

What can a fellow do?

The chapel bell is tolling

And you know you will be late;
You hear its deep notes rolling

As you pass the College gate;
The Provost's stopped believing

That the tales you tell are true;
You know you should be leaving,

But what can a fellow do ?

At home your good intentions

Are plenty but they go,
As a certain Proverb mentions,

To pave highways down below.
So you go out for a visit,

To studies bid adieu;
For it is not easy, is it?

To tell what else to do.

You know you'll flunk tomorrow;

Your excuses won't go down;
And your breast is filled with sorrow

At the thought of F ?s frown.

The prospect is alarming,

But the fault is not in you;
For if girls will be so charming

What can a fellow do?

THE FACULTY ROOM

Air, "Yankee Doodle"
By CHARLES GILPIN, JR., '64
Know ye the room where Freshmen green
Are oft on Monday morning seen?
Where hurrying crowds of students run
130

SEAL, COLOURS, CHEER AND SONGS

On Friday, when third hour is done?
Ah, yes, we know that room too well!
But ask us not its name to tell.

Know ye the room where lies are told ?
Where brass is worth much more than gold?
Where well-wrought tales that sound like truth
Are told by every truant youth ?
Ah, yes, we know that room too well !
Oh! ask us not its name to tell.

Know ye the room where jest and song
Are banished from the waiting throng?
Where fabrication is an art,
And terror fills each waiting heart?
Ah, yes, we know that room too well!
Then ask us not its name to tell.

COMMENCEMENT DAY
By CHARLES GILPIN, JR., '64

Four years have gone o'er us,
And friends now must sever,
To meet perhaps never;
Our short race is run.
As others before us

Have sorrowed at parting,
We sadly are starting;
Our days here are done.
Farewells must be spoken,
And tender ties broken;

For College is over and life has begun.

We meet again never!

And rows of new faces
Fill our vacant places
At sound of the bell.

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Farewell then forever;

But sadness don't borrow;
Though toil comes tomorrow
There's pleasure as well.
Our "Kind Mother" leaves us;
The cold world receives us;

Alma Mater, we bid thee forever farewell.

EDITE, BIBITE, COLLEGIALES
ByJ. C.SIMS, JR., '65

Veniamus, studiosi;
Canamus, modulati;
Simus jam beati;
Gaudeamus.

CHORUS

Edite, bibite, collegiales

Post multa saecula, pocula, nulla.

Puellae admirant
Melodies canus
Et longas barbas
In juvenis.

Edite, etc.

Testae professores
Et matres familias
Dummodo sant nobis
Bonas notas.
Edite, etc.

Et amamus matrem
Almam Universitatem
Et omnis lapis in collega,
In collega.

Edite, etc.
132

DORMITORY ARCHWAY,
Looking toward the Pro-
vosts' Tower from the
Triangle

SEAL, COLOURS, CHEER AND SONGS

STUDENTS' SONG

Air, " Co-ca-che-lunc"
"Carpe diem" says the poet,
Meaning " While you are young to go it " ;
So let every studious wight
Leave his musty books tonight.

Neither Locke nor Leibnitz vex us;
No false theories perplex us;
For the truth to wine we go —
"In vino veritas" you know.

Of chemists surely we've the best;
We've bottled up the alcahest;
Pleasures here dissolved we hold;
Time's dull sand we turn to gold.

Why with mathematics bore us
And with "Comic sections" floor us?
Curves enough are in our gait,
Though we take our liquor straight.

"Nunc est bibendum" said old Flaccus,
Jolly worshipper of Bacchus;
Follow classical advice,
Though a headache be the price.

"Carpe diem" says the poet,
Meaning "While you're young to go it";
So let every studious wight
Leave his musty books tonight.

SMOKING SONG

Air, "Off the Blue Canaries"

By JOHN H. EASBY, '65
Ruby Wine with genial glow

Through ev'ry nerve may thrill;
'T'may cause the song and jest to flow,
But leaves a headache still.
133

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

CHORUS

Then sing the song of smoke;
'Tis fancy's gauzy cloak,

Yet keeps it warm

And free from harm;
For "What's so thick as smoke"?

Ruby Lip that softly smiles,

The kiss it tempts, denies.
It oft the fledgling's heart beguiles

And still smiles at his sighs.

CHORUS

Ruby Fire 'neath shadowy ash

Beams bright as maiden's eye.
The perfume and the "weed's "warm flash

Are sweet as Love's own sigh.
CHORUS

Rolling Smoke, in fleecy rings

That melting float away,
Far from us bears on flitting wings

Cares that would cloud the day.
CHORUS

Feath'ry Ash may shroud the beams

Of flames that brightest glow;
And sorrow come 'mid fairest dreams;

We'll let them come — and go.
CHORUS

The first substantial collection of songs to be
really published was issued by members of the
Glee Club in 1879 through the energies of C.
Howard Colket, '79. The second was published
by the following Edition Committee appointed
by the Glee Club in 1895 :

134

SEAL, COLOURS, CHEER AND SONGS

E. G. McCollin, '78 David Halstead, Jr., '95

A. L. Church, '78 W. J. Goeckel, '96 L.

E. W. Mumford, '89 E. M. Dilley, '97

F. B. Neilson, '90 Wells D. Reed, '97 L.

V. F. Gable, '92

They conducted a competition which resulted
in the choice of "Hail! Pennsylvania " by Edgar
M. Dilley, '97, and "The Red and Blue" by H. C.
Westervelt, '98, and William J. Goeckel, '96.

These two songs have remained the permanent
songs of the University although many others
have been added and are sung from time to time —
notably a revival of "Ben Franklin" written by
Edward G. McCollin, '78, while an undergraduate.
The complexity of modern life and the many
present attractions of College days have crowded
out the popularity which singing once enjoyed.

BEN FRANKLIN

By CHARLES I. JUNKIN, '77

Music by Edward G. McCollin, '78

H'rah!H'rah!H'rah!

Penn-syl-van-i-a 1
in days of old, as we are told,

There lived a man named Ben;
A friend was he, and so are we,
To Pennsylvania men.

A ready blade, he often made

Ingenious little toys;
He built a kite with great delight,

And shocked the little boys.

135

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

This ancient squire did then aspire

A public school to found;
And with a dash he raised the cash

And bought a lot of ground.

And now we raise our song of praise

To good old Father Ben;
A friend was he, and so are we,

To Pennsylvania men.

CHORUS

Ben Franklin was his name,
And not unknown to fame;
The founder first was he
Of the U-ni-ver-si-tee.

THE RED AND BLUE
By HARRY E. WESTERVELT, '98
Music by William J. Goeckel, '96
Come all ye loyal class-men now,

In hall and campus through,
Life up your hearts and voices for

The royal Red and Blue.
We ask no other emblem,

No other sign to view,
We only ask to see and cheer

Our colours, Red and Blue.

CHORUS
Hurrah, Hurrah, Pennsylvania,

Hurrah for the Red and Blue;
Hurrah, Hurrah, Hurrah, Hurrah!

Hurrah for the Red and Blue.

And now thro' all the years to come,

In midst of toil and care,
We'll get new inspiration

From the colours waving there.
136

SEAL, COLOURS, CHEER AND SONGS

And when to all our College life

We've said our last adieu,
We'll never say adieu to thee,

Our colours, Red and Blue.

HAIL! PENNSYLVANIA

By EDGAR M. DILLEY, '97

Air, Russian Hymn
Hail! Pennsylvania, noble and strong;
To thee with loyal hearts we raise our song.
Swelling to Heaven loud our praises ring;
Hail! Pennsylvania, of thee we sing!

Majesty, as a crown, rests on thy brow;
Pride, Honor, Glory, Love, before thee bow.
Ne'er can thy spirit die, thy walls decay;
Hail! Pennsylvania, for thee we pray.

Hail! Pennsylvania! guide of our youth;
Lead thou thy children on to light and truth;
Thee, when death summons us, others shall praise,
Hail! Pennsylvania, through endless days.

CHAPTER IV
UNDERGRADUATE CUSTOMS

PENNSYLVANIA'S rich horde of tradi-
tions, many of which have their root in
the very foundations upon which the
University rests, and all of which have
been handed down from year to year until they
have become a part of the atmosphere of the
place, have given us the strength of sentiment and
memory that has made the institution loved.

The organizations of our undergraduate days,
many of them dating back in their origin to the
earliest days of the University, although in no way
a part of the official institution, are recognized by all
as an integral part of Pennsylvania, whose rules are
as sacred and whose regulations are as inviolable as
the University statutes. It is these "undergrad-
uate activities," as they are heavily termed, which
go to make up the real student life and spirit, and
which serve as a necessary complement to the
more serious side of a University education.

In every College and University such things
are a necessity. The very fact that their origin has
been spontaneous and their perpetuation voluntary
proves that they have their place. Though not
essential to a College education, they are so nearly
so that without them there is a tendency for the

138

UNDERGRADUATE CUSTOMS

student to become narrow and single-purposed,
for him to become blinded to the larger and more
humanitarian interests of the world, and for his
mental horizon to become clouded with purely
academic ideas and intricacies.

As these things have multiplied, the danger
that their importance would be overemphasized
by the student has been minimized by a carefully
conducted system of Faculty oversight so that
relative values are preserved. In fact it is these
activities, in one form or another, that make
our memories of Pennsylvania so pleasant and
which, in supplement to the regular curriculum
routine, made going to College really worth while.

What an intimate little place it was fifty years
ago may be guessed when we realize that the whole
family was described in the following by Charles
Gilpin, Jr., '64:

There was a Professor Coppee,
Who filled a spittoon every day.
"By expectoration I'm saving the nation,"
Said long-bearded Henry Coppee.

George Allen's great name I exalt;
A love of Greek roots his sole fault.
As I am a sinner he'd eat one for dinner,
Instead of a radish, with salt.

The amiable Kendall's my hero
I pray all you students give ear O!
So wise is his pate he'd prove crooked lines straight
Or make a fifteen of a zero.
139

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Dick's work is to ring the great bell,
And I have heard graduates tell
That once he fell down, alarming the town,

For he shook the whole earth when he fell.

Alfred Pompey's the knight of the broom,
With what grace he can sweep out a room!
Or deliver a letter; no man can do't better
Than Alfred the knight of the broom.

There was a professor called John.
If you looked at the coat he had on
You would say, "Oh my eye! what a regular guy,"
Yet he was a right jovial John.

There once was a Provost named Dan,
A talkative sort of a man,
But they said, "Let him chatter: it makes no great

matter,
For nobody listens to Dan."1

The Bowl Fight was a unique custom. No other
College had anything like it and it has had a hold
upon our memories that makes it a fond tradition.
The affair was between the Sophomore and Fresh-
man Classes of the College, the former providing a
bowl and the latter a "bowl-man." In the very
early eighteen-sixties, when the College was on

1 Henry Copp€e, Professor of Belles Lettres and of the English Language and

Literature.

George Allen, Professor of Greek and Latin Languages and Literature.
E. Otis Kendall, Professor of Mathematics.
Frederick Dick, the corpulent Janitor of the University.
Alfred Wilson ("Pomp")> his assistant, afterward Janitor.
John F. Frazer, Professor of Natural Philosophy and Chemistry.
Rev. Daniel R. Goodwin, Provost and Professor of Intellectual and Mora

Philosophy.

140

THOMAS PENN HOUSE OF
THE DORMITORIES

UNDERGRADUATE CUSTOMS

Ninth Street, in the city, the year was divided
into three terms, the first ending at the Christmas
holiday in December. For many years it was cus-
tomary for the secretary of the Faculty to announce
the results of the term's work, and "honours"
were awarded to the best students in each class.
There were not many first and second honour men
but several third honours, and these were graded
according to their ranks. Some joyous spirits
about 1 86 1, pitying, no doubt, the lowest third
honour man who seemed so far from the head,
thought they would compensate him and have a
little fun too by presenting him with a spoon. It
was a large wooden one and was presented by a
crowd of Sophomores at the door of the Chapel as
the Freshmen emerged. There was no contention
and all were equally amused. The cheers and
inscription on the spoon were ironical and the
demonstrations grew from year to year so that
soon the third honour Freshman began to resist
the added indignities put upon him. The bowl
was probably introduced in 1865 and in 1866
George F. Martin, '70, was put in it and carried
about the Campus. He got a bowl, too, and says
"it was all brave, jolly and not extravagant at all."
This custom grew and soon included a reckless
rush through the near-by Continental Hotel. The
bowls and spoons seem to have had Latin inscrip-
tions rudely cut upon them from the earliest time,

141

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

and this is very interesting as it denotes the rather
more scholarly habits of thought in those days.

In 1869 there was something of a fight and
the bowl was broken. When the University moved
to West Philadelphia there was a real fight begin-
ning often at the door of the Chapel, waging
about College Hall and pursued over the hills and
valleys of the surrounding country. It became the
duty of the Freshmen to protect the bowl-man,
cause him to escape and then to break the bowl,
while the Sophomores strove to put the bowl-man
in the bowl and to protect it for presentation to
their second most popular man on Class Day.
Rules began to creep in, and there was an umpire
and a time limit in the nineties. The fight grad-
uated to the old athletic field, to Franklin Field,
and finally to the Museum Field. It came
after the "Mid-Terms" then and was usually in
inclement weather with mud and snow as com-
forters. Great crowds surrounded the participants
and interfered with careless zeal. The "Medicals"
were particularly obstructive and frequently the
affair would end by the Sophomores and Freshmen
Combining to save the bowl from the marauding
"Meds."

The tremendous growth in the College after
1900 made the Bowl Fight assume proportions
which took away much of the spirit of the occasion,
and when in 1914 a student was suffocated the old

142

UNDERGRADUATE CUSTOMS

custom was abolished. Only second to it in age
was the hall-rush and corner fight. After the
Freshman class-meeting on the first day of College
the Sophomores attacked them and each class
massed at opposite ends of the hall in the basement
of College Hall. They rushed toward each other
in close formation with shouting upper class-men
perched on top of the lockers and met at the foot of
the stairs where the struggling and pushing, after
the tremendous impact, resulted in one class getting
through. The defeated class after about three
rushes took to the corner in the adjacent assembly
room and defied the other to put them out. The
object then was to get in or keep in the corner and
here, watched over by a so-called umpire, the
men battled for half an hour with no ventilation.
Numbers caused the abandonment of this custom
also.

The Cane Fight was of shorter duration and
Harry Hayward, '94, the last cane-man. He stood
in the middle of the field with a cane and the two
classes rushed at him. At the end of a specified
period the hands on the cane were counted and the
winning class announced.

These were brave struggling days, and there
were few who did not enter the fights for the honour
of their class. They gave a solidity, an esprit de
corps to the class that cannot now be achieved by
the great numbers in the separated groups of the

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

old College. No substitute has been found to pro-
duce the spirit caused by physical striving together
for a common purpose.

The hallway in the basement of College Hall
was the scene of undergraduate mingling both
friendly and otherwise. Here each student kept
his things in wooden lockers and woe betide the
unfortunate Freshman that drew a closet in a cer-
tain "row" or transept. The Assembly Room has
gone, the long hall has been cut up and wire lockers
have replaced the ancient wooden ones with their
inscriptions of many generations, but the smell is
just the same.

Foremost among the student organizations
and institutions since the late eighteen-seventies
are the various forms of athletics, which tend to
promote, possibly more than any other, what is
known as "College Spirit" —that spirit which must
be felt to be realized and which has been the under-
lying cause for Pennsylvania's numerous victories.
No matter how great one's supposed infirmities may
be there is now some branch of sport in Pennsyl-
vania, be it a "major" or a "minor" one, that will
attract the student to a participation.

With this now comes the competition for man-
agerships of the various teams, which ranks as one
of the greatest honours in the Senior year. It is
usually in the Sophomore Class that this competi-
tion starts and is continued through the remaining

144

UNDERGRADUATE CUSTOMS

years, the student being given more responsibility
as he slowly loses his first coat of "greenness."
One of these responsibilities is a participation in
one or more of the various College publications.
Positions on the staffs of the "Pennsylvanian,"
the daily newspaper, the Red and Blue," the old
monthly literary magazine, and the " Punch Bowl, "
are the coveted prizes of the Senior year. The last
publication attracts the jesters of the Campus who
make it a convenient antidote to the other more
serious publications.

These have survived but some of us can remem-
ber the old "University Magazine," the "Daily
University News," the "Courier," "Ben Franklin,"
"Chaff," the "Examiner," the "Zelosophic Maga-
zine" of 1834 an(i l%35 and tne weekly magazine
of the Philomathean Society of the seventies and
eighties.

The Senior Class of almost every College
publishes a Year Book. At Pennsylvania it is
known as the "Record" and has grown to include
the portraits of each member of the class, his hon-
ours, and what he has accomplished during the
four years, conveniently leaving out what he has
not, so that no matter how lazy a student may be,
it always turns out that when the "Record" is
printed he will find a list of titles or organizations
tacked after his name in the book, which with
much pride he shows to the fair one at home who

10 i

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

usually comes to see him graduate. All the work
incidental to the issue of these publications, except
the actual printing, is done by students. The
"Record" first appeared in 1865 and has grown
from a four-page sheet to a large, leather-bound
volume handsomely printed and profusely illustra-
ted. The Medical, Law, Dental, and Veterinary
classes now publish similar books.

Those who have dramatic inclinations, and
they are usually many, find a convenient outlet
in the various dramatic organizations. Chief
among these is the "Mask and Wig Club," whose
ambition is to be funny rather than serious, leaving
the latter intention to the Priestley Chemical
Club, Philomathean Society, Zelosophic Society?
Deutscher Verein, the Cercle Fran^ais, and the
Architectural play or pageant.

The Philomathean and the Zelosophic Socie-
ties, the two literary societies, have long and hon-
ourable careers and have numbered among their
members men who have won unusual distinction
in after life. For many years they furnished the
only association among groups of students. Three
members of the Philomathean Society, S. Hunting-
don Jones, '57, Henry Morton, '57, late President
of the Stevens Institute, and Charles R. Hale, '58,
afterward Bishop of Springfield, at its behest trans-
lated "The Rosetta Stone" and this was the most im-
portant work ever undertaken by undergraduates.

UNDERGRADUATE CUSTOMS

An account of the beginning of the drama at
Pennsylvania has been given. No doubt there
were many such " exercises," but the first record
of a University Dramatic Club organized among
the students is in the spring of 1878, when one
was formed with W. L. Rowland, William P.
Elwell, W. E. Helme, A. L. Church and Charles
T. Moore as officers. The first "entertainment"
was "A new musical travesty, in six scenes,
Romeo and Juliet" given on Wednesday evening,
May 15, 1878, at the Amateur Drawing Room.

More serious effort was begun in January,
1886, with rehearsals for the "Acharnians" of
Aristophanes, the first Greek comedy to be played
in this country. The libretto was prepared by
Dr. William H. Klapp, the artistic features by
John Ashhurst, 3rd, '87, and the music was written
by Dr. Hugh Clarke. Professor Easton directed
the staging of the play, and it was rehearsed in
the Pennsylvania Railroad depot at Thirty-Second
and Market Streets in West Philadelphia. The
performance in May was the second recorded one
after a lapse of twenty centuries. It was given in
the Academy of Music, Philadelphia and in the
Opera House, New York City. The stage setting
and costumes were notable, as were the audiences
and newspaper comments. E. S. Dunn, George
Wharton Pepper, George Brinton, James A Mont-
gomery and Messrs Levin, Seguin and Woodruff

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

played the principal parts and played them well.
No Greek play was given after this until 1903
when "Iphigenia among the Taurians" was
produced under the direction of Professors Lam-
berton and Bates. The music was once more by
Dr. Clarke and the chief actors were Messrs.
Slack, Miller, McClelland, Burnes, Robins, Stall-
man arid Moore.

The Mask and Wig Club was next in the
field, and its popularity is so long-continued that
it is of course a Pennsylvania institution. It was
started by Clayton Fotterall McMichael in 1889
with some other undergraduates and is the most
prominent undergraduate dramatic organization
in America. "Lurline, or the Knights and the
Naiads" was the first of the long series of musical
comedies that have entertained Philadelphians
and those of many other Eastern cities, and con-
tributed very much financially to the University.
Clayton McMichael wrote the librettos for many
years and was the club's only President until his
death in 1907. William Ernst, Barclay Warburton,
Howard K. Mohr, Thomas B. Donaldson and
Edwin Lavino have made the books in recent
years with help from the Committee on Production.
The music has been culled from the popular
operas of the day with increasing contributions
from Charles Gilpin, '99. The productions are
not at all serious and have a spirit and "go" that

148

UNDERGRADUATE CUSTOMS

are famous. The Club feels that female imper-
sonations by men in any spirit other than that
of burlesque is improper and distasteful. No
effort is made or would be tolerated to simulate
effeminacy. The dancing, costumes and scenic
effects of these burlesques are often the envy
of professionals, and the whole undertaking
rounds out the sphere of dramatic effort at the
University.

In 1895 the Garrick Club began a serious but
brief career, and in 1908 "Philo" and "Zelo"
began their excellent productions of the English
classical drama which have been a distinct addi-
tion to the intellectual life of the University. They
have the assistance of the Faculty and are often
very ambitious, as when, for instance, they pro-
duced the "Comedy of Errors" in a theatre
modeled after that of Shakespeare's day. These
two literary societies were established in 1813 and
1829 respectively and have attracted many of the
more earnest undergraduates.

For fear that a student may become so inter-
ested in all these alluring activities as to entirely
forget his home, numerous school and sectional,
state or county clubs have been formed, composed
of men hailing from certain localities, or who come
to Pennsylvania from certain preparatory schools.
There are also variouk other organizations which
are composed of men who have common interests

149

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

along certain lines and who have combined to
pursue their interests together.

In every Senior Class there are always those
men who are known as the "Big Men" of the class,
not in physique, but in ability — men who have
come to be recognized as leaders. From this group
the two Senior societies, Sphinx and Friars, are
formed. Fraternities, at Pennsylvania, occupy an
important place in undergraduate life. Delta
Psi and Delta Phi were established in 1849 and
Zeta Psi and Phi Kappa Sigma in 1850. Thirty-
one College fraternities now maintain active Chap-
ters at the University, all of which occupy houses
on or near the Campus. They have always had
the constant countenance of the authorities and
have never been subjected to censure or restriction.
To alleviate some of the objectionable characteris-
tics which are claimed against fraternities in general
an Inter-Fraternity Agreement has been formed by
those having Pennsylvania's interests most at
heart, prohibiting all "rushing" prior to matric-
ulation and setting aside a certain period during
the Freshman's first year in which he is not allowed
to receive an invitation to join a fraternity. This
agreement is strongly endorsed by the Provost, as
tending toward a greater fairness and better results
both for the Freshmen and the fraternities.

Those students who are termed "high-brows"
by their less fortunate classmates are elected into

150

UNDERGRADUATE CUSTOMS

the honourary societies of Phi Beta Kappa and
Sigma Xi, each of which selects about twelve men
every year, basing their election upon scholarship.
The former draws men from the Arts Course, the
latter from the Scientific Schools.

In addition to the various student organiza-
tions which comprise such a large part of the life at
Pennsylvania, there is a host of local customs which
are carried out every year and which are a domin-
ating factor in undergraduate life. Among these
are ancient social functions like the Ivy Ball, a
dance given by the Senior Class and one very pop-
ular among the debutantes, the Junior Ball and
the Sophomore Dance.

The Commencements were held for more than
a hundred years in the Hall of the University,
first on Fourth Street and then on Ninth. When
this became too restricted they were held at
Musical Fund Hall, Horticultural Hall, the Acad-
emy of Music and now at the Metropolitan
Opera House. Until some fifty years ago the
program was made up of music and of addresses
and orations by the students in Latin, Greek and
English. The conferring of degrees and the pray-
ers and charge of the Provost were followed by the
valedictory by one of the graduating class. On
June 2, 1865, the Class of '65 held the first Class
Day. James Hutchins Brown presided and besides
music there was the class history by Robert

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Emmet McDonald, an oration by George Woolsey
Hodge, a poem by William Wilberforce Newton,
the presentation of a wooden spoon to John T.
Lewis, and a farewell song by the Class. This
was also the first time a spoon was given to the
most popular member of a class. Beauveau
Borie had this one made, from a design by Mr.
Benson, by Harvey and Ford, famous ivory carvers.

So the participation of the graduates in the
program of Commencement passed away.

The Junior Class issued a "Mock Program"
of the Commencement as early as 1856 and dis-
tributed it among the audience. This custom was
transferred to Class Day and existed until about
ten years ago.

Class Day has become the most popular event
in the life of an undergraduate class and is now
held out of doors in the apex of the Dormitory
Triangle.

Although a joyful occasion, it has yet a cer-
tain sense of sadness about it, as it is the final part-
ing from the active life of the University. This is
the day that all the terrible threats against the
professor or professors who found it their duty to
" flunk" a student are redeemed, and although the
"Mock Presentations" lend a lighter tone to the
proceedings, they are mostly of a more serious
nature. On this occasion, the four "Honour Men,"
chosen each year by the class on a basis of popu-

152

litikrsitg of Itntisjtoia

JULY 3d, 1856*

ORCHESTRA UNDER THE DIRECTION OF PROFESSOR BAYLEY.

J RICHARD L. ASIIIIURST,

MUSIC.
MUSIC.

Crock Salutatory Oration.

CHAHI.KS E. HACKLEY, -

. > - The Aristocracy of Intellect.

EDWARD DOLES, Jr.,

Excused.

(

MUSIC.

THOMAS K. DuNfJLisON,

Nature and Art.

E.MLKN T. LITTEI.L,

Lost Cities.

MUSIC.

WILLIAM 11. BAD«;ER,

Pope.

BIDKR.MAN Du PONT,

The Era of Science.

MUSIC.

CHARLICS C. JACK.SON,

Excused.

F. BARTLKTT CONVERSE,

Genius of Sir Walter Raleigh.

MUSIC.

EDMUND CASH PI:CHIN,

True Greatness.

ROUKKT HUNTER McGRATii

, - The Literature of the Sea.

C fv "VL \

MUSIC.

Ti ^ Tl \ >i f\ f\ Tl !f\ t C*. "tt T: T. t.

The Degree of Bachelor of Arts will then be conferred on the following members of the

Graduating Clasa.

r.EORC.K ALLEN, Jr.

HARRY C. KlillERT.

EDMUND CASH PEClflN,

Kll'IIAKD L. ASIMIl'RST,

(Ml MILKS 1C. HACKLEY,

RICHARD It. I'ETTIT,

WILLIAM 11. KAIiiiEK.

WILLIAM S. HKNDRIE,

HENRY PHILLIPS.

f'ADW ALADKR III DDI.K,
EDWARD COLES, Jr.

CHARLES C.JACKSON,
EDWAR1- S. KELLY,

SERAIMO RECIO,
WILLIAM RUED,

F. IIAKTLKTT CONVERSE,

EMLEN T. LITTKLL.

WILLIAM SHARSWOOD,

ALEXANDER It. COXE, .

KOrlEKT 11. McilRATU,

JOHN 11. SLACK,

JAMES DEVERKL'X. Jr.,

R1C11AKD C. MOORE, Jr.,

JOHN W. WILLIAMS.

THO.MAS R. DUNUL1SON,

Tlic Degree of Bachelor of Science will then be conferred upon

BIDERMAN DU PONT.

The Degree

of Bachelor of JLaws will then be conferred oil

JOHN Q. ADAMS,
TIlO.MAS 1. \S11TON,

SAMUEL K. EVANS,

JAMES DUVAL RODNEY,

JOSLl'll 1'. DltlNTON,

WILLIAM F. JUDS'ON,

EDWARD SPEAKMAN,

SAMl'EL CHEW,

CHARLES W. LITTEI.L,

DAVID II. SPRONG,

Z. 1'UILSUN DOUSON,

ALFRED LONOSTRETII,

WILLIAM WELLS.

The Degree of Master of Aria will then be conferred on the following Graduate* of

three yean standing.

RICHARD ASIIIIURST, Jr.

WILLIAM F. JUDSON,

FAIRMAN ROr.ERK.

JOHN K. i: ARC-LAY,

DANIEL S. MKRUITT,

OIDEON SCULL, Jr.,

JAMES C. DIDDLE,

CHARLES li: NORTON,

ALHERT II. SMITH.

ROI1EIIT C. CORNELIUS,

HENRY N. PAUL.

EDWARD W. SMITH,

Z. POULSoN DOIISON.

ROttKRf E. RANDALL,

OEOROE WARNER.

WILLIAM II. DURlilN,

The Degree of Doctor of Medicine will then be conferred on

FRANKLIN EADS, oi Al.il.nina,

WALTER U. CARTH, uf VirSinia, JOHN L. IVEY, of North C.roHon,

VALEDICTORY ORATION,

The Degree of Doctor of Divinity will then be conferred on

REV. WILLIAM JI. ODENHEIMER.

MUSIC.

JOHN W. WILLIAMS.

FINALE.

AN EARLY COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM

University of Pennsylvania.

COME-SIT-THEE-BOWN AT THE

MULE-SOUP FUND HALL.

The Procession will form at 10 o'clock, in the campus, and after countermarching
in the rear ol'Uie College, will perambulate, via Gtape Street, to the Hall ia the fol-
lowing order :

Clam Shell Band.

Fresh, Soph and Junior Classes highly elated by Balti S— w— r's eleven o'clock

lunch, headed by Messrs. St — r — d and 11— ce.

George Munday and Crazy Norah, arm in arm.

Graduating Class "in black shirts for execution (of speeches.)

Faculty, on a dray.

Turtle Shell Band and Infant Drummer.

Heads of the Public Institutions on polrs .

Alumni Association and Friendless Children.

President of the Moyamensing Soup Society and Billy Bow-Legs in a wheelbarrow.

B. C. C— ss, ear-Musician (o the University.
The gentlemen from the " back bench," suitably attired.

Prof. Am— r— Hi and the " Italian Class."

Delegations from the Cannibal Islands and the University of Timbtteioo.
Citizens and Native*.

The Morning's entertainment will be served up as follows :

MUSIC— "Lord Lovel stood at his castle gate."
PRAYER— with great ogony and contortion of countenance — by one of the fogies In

the Board of Trustees.
MUSIC-" My Mary Ann."

R. L. AH! SHIRT, - - • - .,.-.- \W Guns in Honor of ttuGrtilg
Pud a-squirt will first open in very bad Greek,
(Intelligible English unable to spealc,)
As from his great swagger you'll easily tell,
He is nothing more than a vulgar youns; cwell,
He ha* for his them* (but his feelings w'ell hurt.)
That Shaksperean motto, " A shirt ! A shirt!

Oh, granny dear, give me a shirt I"
MUSIC—" There was a washenvoman, her name was Mrs. Simms,

She had fourteen little children and she used them for clothes pin)/'

C. E. SHACK-LY, - . - . • . Big Bugs oftfa Head

This gentleman will PAt-losophise on-the eggs-pea-diency of having no intelle-.-t at
all. He introduces the sleam engine " Younz America" very often, nnd ha« been
very diligent in preparing his speech. He will kap the climax with the temple of
fame. It he were at all giddy, the heiarht would make him St( °0ck,- At the close of
his speech the Freshmen Class of the Univtrsity of Pennsylvania, will applaud Gen.
Washington ! ! ! !

LEHIOH COAL-S, Jn. , Jj.vnmtlH

This speaker's shaft of learning not beug applied with sufficient itreneh, nothing
has struck his inint'd ; and the. gratt-heat ul the present season hoS rendered coal-s
unnecessary.

MOCK PROGRAM OF 1856 COMMENCEMENT
EXERCISES, ISSUED BY THE JUNIOR CLASS

" Lehigu mufl do better."
DANCE— "Rattlesnake Jig," by Prof. J— k-4n.

Tom (cat) Dit— g-son, - - : , . • Pie?, and Tarts

Come let us wind our toilsome way,

And view the ch.inns of naiur;
Each liarkin' di>g, each !>que'ilin' hog,

And every roasted latur.

The down on this gentleman's chin will illustrate most clearly, what nature, insisted
by art, has done lor kirn.

AIN'T HE LITTLE, Y« Aiift'ent Habitation

When but a Junior \\o dr.alt a sigh
O'er the burning oJ Pompeii,
And now, to end hj* college life,
He'll give an account of Lot's salt wife.
Unlike— yet like— the fruit of the Dead Sea.
Without, he's ugly — within, empty.
MU3IC— " Thai's *o '. Thai's »o '."

BILLY BY GAR! Poe-(p)

This antiquary, who has been burrowing in the recesses of the past, will badger
Pope. Not the Pope of the Vet/ude-A\\, but bun who was always A(l)le-n 'till he went
tc his bier.

BIDDY DO POUT, -Ears of Silenct

You'd f car< e expect one of my size,'

To stnnd before '.he public s eyes ;

Though I \vear fpr.eks — do uoi suppose

That mine are bad— it's for my long nose.
MUSIC — "Prima Donna." at the request of out first familiti,

GENERAL J—CK— ON, Non Compos

This gentleman, unlike his great iia-me*aL'e, has been compelled to si rreiider. We
understand he takes t/ie rt*tnn*ibilily. He designs pur timing the vocntion of an Ark-
ileet, and we ««Vccrely hope /<* will he drawn through the stream of life as nobly as
was Noah's of old, but with less of the creeping things.

F. B-OOZY BLANK VERSE, .... T/ie Greasnttss of Oily Water
This orthostadicaHy encased specimen of the coitus will, while violently gesticu-
lating with liis pcr.tadactyliK appendages, ?esquipe<'aliate on the infusoria capitii of
IhcJ'mt Engli>hman who disembogued volatile exhalation* from his osclatory orilice.
MUSIC — " Mr. John Brown powe.-sed a diminutive Seminole."

CHEAP FOR CASH.' PITCH IN, - - Too .G,-eatt-n»s»

This speaker will pilot us through a great many ,«<-a-nes of cur->\°c. He i? n temper-
ate man, but, nevertheless, will ichineover the ae-jptw-eraey of the rac<'. He trusts
the quantity of true grea'uess will be much la(t)gf.r and will display itself on every
h-occasion. " Little more Cider."

BOBBY HUNT-HER GRIMATH, TouSte?

Thi* Iwy, just released from his A. B and C,
Has come here to-day to take his A. B..
And to >how himself Hi for the title to B
He'll deljver a speech on the books of the C.
MUSIC— " The C the Q, the open C."

CONFERRING DISGRACE

![L<.

BY PAP V— T— KE.

The E egree of Butcher of Senst on Mr. Dew Point, solitary and alont.
The Degree of M-nrd»i*r+ofA*t3 on oeventeen youths who have been sound asleep

three years.
The Degree of B-ac/utors on L-egs on thirteen /<V-ons of the University.

The Degree ot M-ad D-»s on five late fpritig fowls.
The 'Oncrv Decree of D-umb D-uncf, on Rev. Win. H. Olden hammer, a disciple of

5/. Petci's.

MUSIC—" Now, wh'ite folks, we are going to leave you.1'

DEMI-JOHN WILL- TAMS, - - - - - Mrs. Parting-ton Spetcb
F>an(d)ana handkerchiefs will flourish during this gentleman's oration and the
t(e)ares that will (low so Coi>ptr.-o\\<\y from the eyes ol Mr. K— I— y will, no doubt,
destroy the tint on his cheeks.

TLAUDITIv-FINMCE.

Throughout the er.iei-uinmenl 7-ce S-'reum will be served to the anjiencf. wilhou'
rccjtrd lo expense. Those on the platform wi;l cons/turns claret from a bucket and
tin dipper.

N. B.— Th^se senilemcnontlio "i'jr/ bt»rJi" will preserve their^ratvVyand
! maintain order, or they'll be considered as delinquents and marked accordingly.

REVERSE OF MOCK PROGRAM

UNDERGRADUATE CUSTOMS

larity, are presented with handsome trophies as
the gift of the class. The " Spoon Man," the most
popular, still receives the hand-carved ebony,
silver-marked spoon, and in order follow the
"Bowl Man," the "Cane Man," and the "Spade
Man." To the last falls the duty immediately
afterward to plant the class ivy at the base of the
class stone in some University building, a custom
which has existed at Pennsylvania since her early
classes passed out into the world.

Class fights or "rushes" of some sort followed
the older ones described, every year between the
Freshmen and Sophomo,res. For years the "Poster
Fight" happened on the night before College
opened. The Sophomores defended a huge poster
which they placed upon the back door of College
Hall and which derided the "greenness" of the
Freshmen and set forth instructions in the matter
of conduct which they were commanded to follow.
If the Freshmen tore down this insulting placard,
which to them was as a red rag to a bull, they were
accorded the victory. The next morning the
"Campus Fight" took place, and thereafter the
two belligerent classes declared a truce until
spring. By 1914 the large numbers caused the
abandonment of these fracases, but in 1918 the
last was revived and is called the "Pants Fight,"
the object being to remove the outer nether
garment of a chosen Sophomore.

153

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

On the evening of the first of May, in celebra-
tion of Admiral Dewey's victory at Manila, a
final struggle occurred between the two classes
each year until the war interrupted all customs.
In a large ring, roped off in the center of Franklin
Field and lighted by calcium lights, the members
of the two classes battled for supremacy in exciting
boring and wrestling matches, enthusiastically
cheered on by their cohorts in the stands.

A Sophomore Cremation comes in May, also.
It is at this time that the members of the class
wreak vengeance upon unpopular class-room task-
masters. An election is held, and the three pro-
fessors who prove to be the most disliked are
burned in effigy on Franklin Field, but only after
long speenches have been made by the class
spokesman, stating why these three professors
should be condemned and finally placing their fate
in the hands of the audience, who exercise the
right to " recall " and whose reply is always a blood-
curdling shriek for vengeance, and every thumb is
turned down in the true Roman style.

There never has been a great deal of hazing at
Pennsylvania, and what once obtained was defi-
nitely abolished by the Undergraduate Committee
several years ago. Many, however, remember the
Lily Pond, in the Botanical Gardens, which cooled
their ardour. The Freshmen are now required to

JULY 3d, 1863.

The tYuc«.<«ion will form und more from the College Hall, Ninth street above Chestnut, at 10 o'clock, A. SI.

MUSIC BY HASSLER'S ORCHESTRA.

MUSIC.
4xva

MUSIC.

Greek Salutatory,
(Italian. — " ^findud. ffifat
(Ptdti.Q.n. — " ^ficui-dticLii, "
(Piatian. — ' ' ^/ifli>tociacii. . "

MUSIC.
MUSIC.

Frar

(Eicu*

Frank W. Winslow.

(Excused— gone fur defence of the State.)

fltfiLLiam. <£ainie..,

MUSIC.
Jufi. and <$dde of, $a

_/«A. fW.

(Lieutenant in Service of the United Sutet.)

MUSIC.

CONFERRING OF DEGREES,

The Degree of BACHELOR OF ARTS will then be conferred on the following
Members of the Senior Class:

James W. Ashton,
Win. Rawle Brooke,
Charles F. Corson,
Alexis I. du Pout,
John Ferguson,
Nathan Hatfield,
Ezekiel Hunn, Jr.,

Daniel Jacoby,
William Laurie,
William Main, Jr.,
James.-L. Newbold,
George W. Pauly,
Charles P. Perkins,
Eugene I. Santee,

Francis G. Smyth,
Geors-e W. L. Spiese,
George Strawbridge,
William F. Swahlen.
Theodore H. Williamson.
Frank W. Winslow,
Samuel Young,

The Degree of MASTER of ARTS will be conferred on the following Graduates of Three

Tears' standing.

R. Dale Benson, Archibald H. Engle. Theodore H. Reakirt,

Henry B. Coxe, Woodruff Jones, John G. Steen,

Caleb W. Creeaon, John Markoe, Roben White,

Robert H. Crozer. Charles Morison, William W. White,

Francellus G. Dalton, C. Stuart Patterson, David B. Willson,

Lemuel J. Deal, George W. Powell, Francis Wister.

Eugene Devereux.
The Degree of BACHELOR of LAWS will be conferred on John G. Johnson and

George M . Conarroe.

The Degree of DOCTOR OF DIVINITY will be conferred on
the Rev. HENRY 12. MONTGOMERY, A. M.

tfusic.

Valedictory Oration, . . . Tlieo. H. Williamson.
MUSIC.

PROGRAM OF COMMENCEMENT
AT A CRITICAL TIME

UNDERGRADUATE CUSTOMS

wear small black caps, conveniently known among
the upper-classmen as "Ink Spots," while on the
Campus. They are not allowed to smoke on the
streets near the University, and the front door
of College Hall is denied them.

These are the "regulations" laid down by the
Sophomores. They are obeyed in a more or less
exact degree, according to the interest of the
Freshmen for the custom, or the absence of a
Sophomore at the time being.

University Day, each year, is an important
event on the undergraduate calendar. It is con-
ducted by the authorities, and for nearly a century
has been held on Washington's Birthday. At this
time the students and the guests of the University
gather in the Academy of Music to participate in
the celebration, which consists of addresses by
prominent men in National affairs, and other appro-
priate exercises.

At the University of today College Hall,
clasped in the ivy loyal sons have planted, and
the old College Chapel in it, hold the most cher-
ished memories for Pennsylvania men. We think
of the chapel as the common gathering place
upon the first day of College when no doubt we
entered the front door for the first and last
time. To the upper-classmen it was a joyful
gathering full of hearty greetings after the sum-
mer recess. As Freshmen we entered with awe

155

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

and silently gazed about, us, trying to adjust our-
selves to the new surroundings. We had suddenly
become University men! We looked anxiously
into the faces, searching for friend and foe. The
arrangement of the benches with upper-classmen
and under-classmen facing each other, after the
manner at Oxford, was strange to us. The raised
platform, with its row of carved thrones, was
filled with the men who were to guide us and rule
us during the next four years. There were shouts
as they entered, and the calling of their names
with affectionate boyishness. The next event in
the year was the assemblage there for a mass
meeting, probably to rehearse songs for the
approaching football game, or to hear thrilling
speeches about supporting the team.

We remember the old hymns which were our
favorites; the attempts at part singing; the hurling
of the hymn-books; Professor Clarke at the organ,
or some of the ministers who came out from the
city to preach to us. Some will recall the class
dances once held in the room when the company
was surely select. The list of distinguished men
who have addressed the students in the Chapel is
a great one. We need but to mention Matthew
Arnold and Hall Caine, Edmund Clarence Sted-
man, Horace Howard Furness and S. Weir Mitch-
ell, John Fiske and Joseph Jacobs, Lord Kelvin
and George Grenfel. Afternoon lectures by men

156

UNDERGRADUATE CUSTOMS

of note, the Friday historical addresses by our
own men, debates, the Sophomore Declamation
and sometimes a funeral service, make up the infi-
nite variety of Chapel memories.

The room was full of memorials and paintings
of the Provosts, Vice-Provosts and distinguished
professors. There were tablets to the men who
gave their lives in the "War of the Rebellion,'* to
benefactors, and to the first class to graduate.
The stained-glass windows inscribed in Latin
were to commemorate the Zelosophic and Philo-
mathean Societies, Provost John Ludlow, Thomas
and William Penn, David Rittenhouse, Profes-
sors Bache, Reed, Wylie, White and Bishop Potter,
and the large central window with the picture of
Benjamin Franklin which we all remember. In
1910 the old place was taken over as a drafting
room for the Architects and the shape of the
room is all that remains, although when the
architects moved to their own building the old
Chapel was restored as a place for the assemblage
of large classes and a few tablets were replaced.

The Bowl Fight and milder class altercations
sometimes began in the Chapel and once a blithe
spirit introduced a guinea-hen into the solemn
proceedings. This was no worse, however, than
when Charlie Borie, '92, climbed on a classmate's
shoulders and bellowed through the transom.
These wece the days of the terrible " Mafia"

'57

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

whose members were wont to lay in wait for some
marked victim and give him a frightful beating.
The playful pastime of throwing paper bags filled
with water, down the stairway opening from an
upper floor was prevalent all during the nineties.
The victims were any who ventured across the
open area but preference was always accorded to
"Pomp." There were many solicitous attentions
given to various professors that will occur to many
a graduate of twenty years ago, but the coming of
the new century marked a change, and gradually
there grew up a spirit of decorum almost approach-
ing monastic consecration. Professors tell us that
there is no disorder any more and that apprehen-
sion never occurs to them now. Shades of Homer
Smith ! Perhaps the tremendous growth and diver-
sity of the place and the student body with its
consequent loss of the old intimacies and many
friendships partially account for the change. There
are so many added diversions of student life now-
a-days, that youthful humour and energy find
relief outside the class-room.

When the Wharton School occupied rooms on
the second floor in the east end of College Hall nu-
merous animals and fowls found their way mysteri-
ously into its quarters. Here also in 1896 origi-
nated the famous Christmas Tree laden with gifts
for the professors. Professor McMaster used to
mistake the gong on a passing patrol wagon for

158

UNDERGRADUATE CUSTOMS

the hall bell and would dismiss his class accordingly.
There was a certain board in Kendall's room that
caused the windows of the room to rattle when
skillfully manipulated by an industrious foot.
When accompanied by much blowing and disguised
whistling the effect of a tremendous wind storm
was produced. "Pop" Easton's rostrum, his alarm
clock and his ways were the subject of many under-
graduate pranks, while the later amusing stories
that cluster about Doctor Schwa tt are too numerous
to mention. Dormitory life has, of course, pro-
duced many a custom and tradition. There are a
lot of fellows who would start from their chairs now
if they heard the cry of "Yea, Row-bottom!"

CHAPTER V
UNIVERSITY CHARACTERS

THE University has been served by many
faithful servants of high and low de-
gree and there are several family
names that are inseparable from her
welfare. None shows more fidelity over a long
period than the family of William Dick, senior.
William was born at Paisley, Scotland, in 1778 and
received a collegiate education. He sailed, with
his excellent wife and four children, for America
in 1813 and landed at Philadelphia.

Upon the recommendation of Bishop White, a
Trustee of the University, William Dick was chosen
Janitor of the Medical Department, where he per-
formed faithful service until his death, March 3,
1831. He had six children — William Dick, Jr.,
who was graduated A.B. in 1821 and died the year
following, John Brisbane Dick, who graduated in
medicine in 1828 and died in 1833, and Frederick
Dick, who succeeded his father as Janitor of the
Medical Department, were the first three.

Frederick was born at Paisley, Scotland, May
9, 1805. In 1837 he was transferred to the Arts
Department, where he remained until 1875, dying
on his farm at Williamsport, New Jersey, in May
of that year. This service of 44 years covered a

1 60

UNIVERSITY CHARACTERS

period of great changes in the University's history.
"Major" Dick, as he was affectionately called, was
very popular, and was a prodigious man, jolly and
kind-hearted, a friend to all the students. He was
very prominent at Commencements, where he led
the academic processions of Trustees, professors
and students in the march to Musical Fund Hall
in the early days and Horticultural Hall and the
Academy of Music later. With flushed face and
dignified mien he would toddle, under the weight
of his big body, to the Provost seated on a dais on
the stage, to receive the parchment, which he
would hand to the first of the candidates for de-
grees lined up in front of the Provost, who received
it and passed it hand over hand to his classmates
to be returned to the "Major" at the end of the
line, when the Latin formula pronounced by the
Provost declared the gentlemen graduates of
the venerable institution, followed by noisy
applause.

The "Major's" son, Walter Brisbane Dick,
graduated from the Medical School in 1860. He
was an assistant surgeon in both the Army and
the Navy during the Civil War.

The last son of William Dick was Francis
Brisbane Dick, who was born in Medical Hall,
Ninth and Chestnut Streets, June 5, 1814, and
became Janitor of the Medical Department in 1850,

remaining until his death in 1859. His son, George
ii 161

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Handy Dick, graduated in medicine in 1862 and
died in 1864 from overwork.

William Dick's last child, Sarah McAllister,
was also born in Medical Hall and married Enon
Harris. Enon Major Harris, Jr., graduated from
the Towne Scientific School in 1886.

When "Major" Frederick Dick withdrew
from the Medical Department to become Janitor
of the Department of Arts he was succeeded by
Benjamin West, 1846-49; Francis Brisbane Dick
before mentioned, 1850-59; Samuel Price, 1860-
65, and finally William Henry Salvador, who
entered the employ of the University in 1856,
began his duties as Janitor in 1866 and continued
until his death in 1902. The position of Janitor in
any department of the big place ceased with his
death.

Of all the characters that have been associated
with the University none perhaps had so long a
term of service or reached so wide an esteem as
"Pomp." In June, 1854, when Henry Vethake
was Provost and the burly "Major" Frederick
Dick was Janitor, there came a colored boy to help
clean the rooms on Ninth Street. His name was
Albert Monroe Wilson and he was forthwith
dubbed "Pompey" by the students. Some of the
professors called him "Alfred," but he soon came
to be generally known as "Pomp," and claimed
to belong to the Class of '58.

162

UNIVERSITY CHARACTERS

After a few years he became a special assistant
to Professor John F. Frazer and took care of his
laboratory and the apparatus for his lectures in
chemistry and physics. When the University
moved to West Philadelphia "Pomp" took an
active part in the arduous labor of the occasion and
by his vigilance saved the old cornerstone with its
noteworthy inscription. Early in his career he
was given a watch by the Faculty headed by
Professor Allen, and his punctuality and regularity
were always a marked characteristic. Very early
in the morning he was always on hand to unlock
the doors of College Hall, ready to receive the first
comer and have everything in perfect order.

"Pomp" was a short man and had a scar in
his forehead received from a stone thrown in the
riots of 1850, when he was eleven years old. He
had an undaunted courage, an unlimited vocabu-
lary of abuse, and a high but not vindictive temper.
In his early days he was made the victim of all
sorts of practical jokes and his life was spent in
constant turmoil with the exuberant spirits of the
students, who then numbered but a hundred. He
always called a student of the Ninth Street days
"one of our gang" and he never had any use for
the "salubrious" Freshman. He immediately
instituted a harsh course of treatment for such a
one, aimed to teach respect for his elders and
remove all traces of affectation or arrogance. He

163

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

was all gentle courtesy, however, when in the com-
pany of the venerable Professor Kendall or his
friend, Dr. Jesse Burk.

If he grumbled or threatened to "kick you
in de stummick," you could be sure he was going
to do what you asked. His loyalty to the Univer-
sity was intense and he hated a sham. He had a
wonderful memory of men and things and was
always the first person sought by the returning
graduate, who greeted him with the greatest cor-
diality and delight, followed by mutual chucklings
and reminiscences. When asked why he did not
write his recollections, he replied that there were
too many people alive who knew the truth.

The younger alumni he greeted with a fierce
scowl, soon softening into a grin and some such
exclamation as "Hello, you dynamic crank, what
you doin' 'roun here?" He was exact to a degree
and everyone would have trusted him with his
property. His standard of service knew no measure
of hours, money, or strength.

He was born in 1839 on Spruce Street above
Eighth on the north side and attended Bird's
School, Sixth above Lombard. He had the secre-
tiveness of his race, never talked about himself
and never permitted himself to be photographed
if he could help it. His stories about old days,
old boys, old tricks and old treasures were, however,
ever ready.

164

UNIVERSITY CHARACTERS

"Pomp" died on March 19, 1904, after five
days' illness, at 1030 Lombard Street, having
served the University under five Provosts. On the
22nd his body lay in state in the old Chapel he
had cared for so long. Stalwart seniors bore him
up the stairs while Faculty, Trustees, gray-haired
graduates and students stood silently by. Fifty
classes heaped their flowers about his bier and his

"POMP," "PLUTO" AND "TOMMY* IN FRONT OF COLLEGE HALL

friend, Rev. Jesse Y. Burk, Secretary of the Uni-
versity, read the service. The bell he had tolled
so often rang fifty times and the flag he had raised
was at half-mast. A brass tablet on the stairway
in College Hall commemorates his long and faithful
service, and a scholarship is provided in his name.
There remained another well-beloved char-
acter in College Hall in the person of "Tommy,"

165

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

the Architectural students' best friend. Thomas
Hassell was born in Cheshire, England, and when
a boy of fourteen enlisted in the British Navy,
with which he went to many foreign shores and had
many wonderful and strange experiences. While
stationed at Halifax he left his country's forces
and skipped down to Boston, where he entered
the American merchant marine and later the Navy.
There is very little of the world that "Tommy"
has not seen and he says if he could remember all
the things he has seen and heard and could write
them out, he "wouldn't dare write them." While
perched on a high drafting stool, leaning forward
on his broom, he will relate some of the most start-
ling stories you have ever heard, and it is impossible
to shut off his flow of enthusiasm. He has been
janitor, organ blower in the old Chapel for Dr.
Hugh Clarke, and general utility man for the Archi-
tectural Department. He has no prejudices and
is kind and attentive to everyone. He bore a
large part of the work incident to the plays of the
Architectural Society and worked as if their success
depended upon him. The students and Faculty
always remember him at Christmas, and he is a
real gleam of sunshine about "the Department."
Since 1870 there was a rotund man with a
rosy face, squinty eyes and little iron-gray mus-
tache, who could generally be seen with a wheel-
barrow and rake or other gardening implements.

1 66

UNIVERSITY CHARACTERS

This was "Billy" Bingham, often known as "Pluto"
because he used to frequent the cellar of College
Hall, where he looked after the portable heaters.
He was afterward the night watchman at the
Physics Laboratory and died January 7, 1919.

Then there was Simpson, the carpenter, an
ardent Methodist who complained bitterly of
Pomp's language. He said that Pomp had four
kinds, one for each floor of College Hall, and
that while his remarks before the Chapel door were
respectable, the language he used in the basement
was frightful.

About that time Mrs. Dougherty kept a
famous restaurant in the Assembly Room, which
was then situated in the northeast corner of the
basement in College Hall. There you could get a
very fine dinner for the sum of twenty-five cents.
She left about 1891 and now keeps a prosperous
boarding house in West Philadelphia.

Daniel Webster was one of the most pictu-
resque characters about the University on account
of his long, untrimmed whiskers. He was the
clerk of the Faculty and had an office to the right
of the door of College Hall where the Bursar now is.
He looked after the mail and did little odd jobs
for the Faculty. He afterward studied medicine
and kept a sanitarium in Atlantic City.

"Gold Annie," a mulatto woman, who dis-
pensed the gold to the Dental students, was a

167

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

famous character for a number of years. Of course
the most distinguished character in the Dental
Department is John Reimold. He started in 1880
and is the general factotum in the department. He
is a personal directory of the history of dentistry in
Philadelphia and a faithful friend of the students.
He came to the University as a clerk in the Medi-
cal Department, assistant to W. H. Salvador, and
in 1882 became chief clerk of the Dental Depart-
ment. He is usually called "John" and has a
remarkable memory for men and events. His real
title now is Registrar.

Everybody in the late eighties and the nineties
remembers Otto Reunig's saloon opposite College
Hall on Woodland Avenue. Indeed it was common
in answering a question as to the location of the
University to say that it was out Woodland
Avenue "opposite Otto's." "Otto" now keeps a
saloon at Eighth and Sansom Streets, where several
of those who made his acquaintance in their youth
continue to visit him.

Many of the older graduates in Mechanical
and Electrical Engineering remember the faithful
old janitor, affectionately known as "Old John,"
the kind, gracious, courteous old man who looked
after their comforts, serving them promptly and
efficiently.

Old John's unassuming manner and quiet
dignity exempted him from the usual "students'

168

UNIVERSITY CHARACTERS

pranks," and throughout his long years of service
only the kindliest feelings prevailed between them.

John Paul entered the service of the University
in May, 1889, as assistant to the gardener of the
College campus, part of his duties being to keep
the Engineering Department in condition.

The Engineering Departments were of small
proportions in those days, occupying a section of
the basement in College Hall, with about twenty
students, four instructors and "Old John." This
little family was fathered by Professor H. M.
Spangler, who up to the time of his death, in 1912,
looked to the welfare of his faithful old janitor.

In 1892 the Mechanical and Electrical Engin-
eering Department took possession of the Engin-
eering Building, which was destroyed by fire in 1906.
Up to this period of the school's development,
"Old John" was its only janitor. The present
building requires the services of ten janitors, and
of late years "Old John's" duties were of a general
nature, serving where he was most useful, partic-
ularly in the Students' Supply Room, 212, familiar
only to students of later years.

John Christian Paul was born in Austria, in
the town of Ash, November 16, 1843, and resided
there until he was sixteen years of age. He came
to this country in 1859, making his home in Phil-
adelphia. He served in the Civil War for a short
period, and of late years received a service pension

169

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

from the Government. From 1875 to 1878 he
was clerk of the Philadelphia Club, and for the
ten years following he was a conductor on the
street cars running by the University into Darby.
After leaving the railway, he entered the service
of the University, where he remained until his
death, March 29, 1918.

One of the first professional trainers of ath-
letes that Pennsylvania had was "Sam" White,
who will be remembered by all University men of
the eighties and early nineties as the trainer of
'Varsity athletes on the Old Field at Thirty-Sev-
enth and Locust Streets, where our athletics were
made and reached their most prominent position
in the College world. Over in the southwest corner
there was a frame building, which was our minia-
ture training house. There are many men who
will never forget the big, black man standing in
front of this structure and bellowing forth, in
exciting contests, "Come on, mah babies!" or,
"I'm a coming, children!" He became attached
to the University in the seventies when he was
chosen janitor of the College Boat Club on the
Schuylkill, where he remained until 1886. His well-
known cry was first heard on the river encouraging
the crews and it became famous at Lake George
in '82 and '83, and at Saratoga Lake in '84. He
had no teeth in front, and the yells met no ob-
struction. "Sam" severed his connection with the

170

UNIVERSITY CHARACTERS

University about 1896 and was employed by Phila-
delphia athletes. In 1904, when nearly sixty years
of age, he was brought to the University Hospital
to die, "at home," as he told Dr. White. He
passed away from heart lesion on March 2$th and
an autopsy disclosed a wire nail an inch and a
quarter long imbedded in his appendix, although
he had never had any symptoms of appendicitis.

There was another colored trainer in the early
nineties. He called himself David Paul Brown
and always said his address was "Cape May, New
Jersey." That was because the football team
trained there in September, 1893, and "Dave"
liked the place. Like many of his race, "Dave"
liked to use big words and grandiloquent speeches.
One of his familiar recitations was "Here lies the
body of John Greer," followed by hearty laughter.

As well known as "Dave" was Ben Wiggins,
who became Janitor of the Boat House in 1889.
"Black Ben" was for fifteen years as much of a
Pennsylvania institution as one of the buildings.
He first became identified with the crew's training
table. In 1892, '93, '94 and '95 Ben had under his
zealous care the teams that have passed into
Pennsylvania's athletic history as the greatest of
all time. It was the well-cooked food which he
served that was no small factor in the success of
these men of iron. Ben was always on hand, even
after leaving the training table, to cheer the boys

171

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

on, and when the University Band was created
he always marched at its head, waving a red
and blue flag. He was a loyal, modest, deserving
negro.

Eighteen eighty-five was the first year that we
had a professional athletic coach in the person of
Frank C. Dole of New Haven. In those days the
athletic field was back of College Hall, where
Houston Hall now stands, and the captain of the
football team played in a cut-off pair of trousers
and his mother's stockings. Dole coached the
football team and the track men, and stayed for
three years*. More men perhaps remember E. O.
Wagenhurst, who entered the Law School and
subsequently coached baseball as well as football.
Soon another coach appeared in the person of
"Will" Bryan, a predecessor of "Mike" Murphy.
While Mike was back at New Haven for his interim,
"Doc" Shell, '8iM, took charge of the track.
George Woodruff became coach of the football
team in 1892, while a student in the Law School.
During his ten years at Pennsylvania he brought
the Eleven through its most successful years, and
through his development of several plays, particu-
larly that known as "Guards' Back," made an
impress upon the game of football that will always
be remembered. Students in the College during
the early nineties remember William Pennel, who
was instructor in the gymnasium, which was then

172

UNIVERSITY CHARACTERS

in College Hall. He was a famous weight-lifter in
his time, but wasted away with tuberculosis.

Professional baseball coaching in the Univer-
sity began with Henry Boyle in the early eighties.
He was a pitcher for the St. Louis Americans and
lives at present in Philadelphia.

It is not hard to get an old oarsman started
on the excellences of Ellis Ward, who, with the
exception of four years, when George Woodruff
was in charge, coached the University crews from
1879 to I9I4- The "old man" was held in high
favor by most of the crews, and in his early days
was a remarkable oarsman himself. Perhaps his
greatest product was the crew we sent to the
Henley Regatta in 1901, which came through to
the finals and was then beaten by the Leander
Rowing Club in a close finish.

Everyone who has heard of athletics knows
about "Mike" Murphy. That he made a lasting
impression upon Pennsylvania men goes without
saying. Though of humble origin and scant edu-
cation he rose to be the greatest trainer of track
athletes the world has ever known. He did not
belong to Pennsylvania, he did not belong to Yale,
he belonged to the manhood of the world. " Mike "
came to us from Yale in 1897 and with an inter-
ruption from 1900 to 1904 was with us until his
death on June 4, 1913. He won his world-wide
fame at Pennsylvania and gave us eight cham-

i73

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

pionship track teams. He was responsible for
practically every world's champion since his advent
as a trainer. Perhaps his greatest feat was his
development of Kraenzlein, McCracken and Tewk-
esbury, who won 35 points for Pennsylvania in
the Inter-Collegiate games of 1899. His fame
attained its utmost height by the triumphs of the
American teams in the Olympic Games at London
and Stockholm.

"Mike" was a slight man of medium height,
with an inflexible determination. In his youth,
near Worcester and Hopkinton, Massachusetts,
he gained success as a boxer and professional
sprinter. He had a wonderful discernment, mag-
netism and ability to inspire men and make them
really exceed themselves. He was idolized by all
who came into contact with him and showed great
affection for his "boys." His speeches between
the halves of a football game have won many
victories for Pennsylvania, notably his appeal on
Thanksgiving Day in 1902, which turned a score
of o to ii into a 12 to n victory over Cornell.
His words were persuasive, pleading, incisive and
his voice was a high, penetrating monotone, per-
haps owing to his deafness. So much could be
written about "Mike" that it is best to say too
little. The alumni of the University no doubt
said it all in the fewest words when their Directors
resolved the day after his death :

174

UNIVERSITY CHARACTERS

As representatives of the alumni of the University of
Pennsylvania we desire to record upon their behalf the
sense of loss which we share with all those interested in
athletics everywhere in the death of Michael C. Murphy on
June 4, 1913. While this feeling must be keen wherever
he was known, yet we feel a particular sorrow at Penn-
sylvania, where he spent 13 years of life and in the warmth
of whose hearth he died. To those who knew him intimately
his going will bring a loss that time will not repair. Wherever
skill and cleanliness in athletics are known Mike Murphy
was appreciated beyond technical skill as a maker of manly
men. It has been well said that " nobler far than any epitaph
in bronze, he leaves hundreds of sturdy, clear-brained men of
muscle in the genuine mold of manhood to testify his worth."

Many a graduate will recognize the deep
salutation, " 'Ow are you, mah son !" and remember
the stentorian, cheerful greeting of George Turner,
he of the generous physical proportions.

George Dugdale Turner was born on Sep-
tember 26, 1850, in Yorkshire, England, and came
to America when he was thirty years old, bringing
his dialect with him. For eighteen years he was
identified with Pennsylvania athletics on the Old
and Franklin Fields as trainer, referee, grounds
keeper and general reliance man. He was a capa-
ble judge of athletes and was in general demand as
referee and starter. Although of limited schooling
he liked poetry and was an enthusiastic student of
English history. He was hearty in everything he
did, he looked hearty and he inspired a consequent
respect. When he died on January 20, 1908, the

175

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

University lost a staunch supporter and Franklin
Field its most prominent feature.

George Turner was succeeded by one as dimin-
utive as he was prodigious. This was "Scotty."
In April, 1917, the " 'Varsity Club," composed of
the wearers of the University letter, presented
"Scotty" with a gold watch in token of their
appreciation and affection, "Scotty" having served
Pennsylvania athletics for 25 years.

William J. Re^iwick was born in Hawick
("Scotty" would call it "Hyke"), Scotland, in
1864 and came to Philadelphia in 1889. He is a
little man, with a dialect, a smile, a short pipe, and
a stubby, vizored cap. He is runty, waddling,
bow-legged and cocky, but he is loyal, lovable
and chuckling too. He came to the Old Field (of
hallowed memory) a month after George Turner
in the first part of 1892, when our athletics were
coming fast and both the College and the city were
full of the raw, overwhelming enthusiasm of a new
success. Every man who has worn the Red and
Blue in the early years of "Scotty's" regime can
recall any night as he looks at his old legs the joys
of those horny hands, gnarled and powerful, bring-
ing new vigor and life and hope as they rubbed him
down in the old, frame dressing-room.

"Scotty" used to go on trips with the baseball
team, too, look after the balls, bats and baggage
and get up early in the morning. It was a standing

176

UNIVERSITY CHARACTERS

joke in those days to compare "Scotty" with a
diminutive outfielder, at which he would indig-
nantly protest that he was "bigger as Pat Tracy."

About 1905 " Scotty" was hit by the 16-
pound hammer while working on Franklin Field
and suffered a terrible injury that permanently
disfigured his forehead. Not to be discouraged
the little fellow came back again and when George
Turner died became the "boss" of the grounds
with a stalwart son to help him. He was most
varied in his usefulness. He tugged Old Glory to
the flagpole top, marked the gridiron and diamond,
chased the hoodlums, was carpenter, painter,
gardener, track-building expert, plumber, physical
trainer, masseur, grounds custodian and rabid
Red and Blue enthusiast. "Scotty" never struck
for higher pay or shorter hours. He was always
cheerful and made the returning "old-grad" feel
more at home and happier than anyone on the
whole n6-acre plot. You felt kind of lonely and
neglected until you saw that smiling, runty form
waddling toward you at a rapid pace. He retired
on Alumni Day in June, 1918.

These are some of the famous personages who
have been a real part of the University's history
since they have served her so well and lett their
impress upon so many of her sons.

CHAPTER VI
ATHLETICS

THAT to keep them in health, and to
strengthen and render active their
Bodies, they be frequently exercised
in Running, Leaping, Wrestling, and
Swimming." So wrote the Founder, Benjamin Frank-
lin, in his " Proposals Relating to the Education of
Yolith in Pennsylvania," printed in the year 1749.
This early recognition of the importance of
physical exercise for the healthy development of
youth has prompted the motto of the Athletic
Association, "Mens Sana in Corpore Sano" — a
sound mind in a sound body — and has caused the
University to see its responsibility in the proper
direction of athletics so that the sport of the
students may not run to abuse or idleness. If there
is one feature in athletic management more dis-
tinctive than another at Pennsylvania it is the
enthusiastic purpose of both University Adminis-
tration and Athletic Association to get the largest
possible number of students to take part in sports—
to exercise with their friends in the open air with
competitive games as an added incentive.

There are sixteen games played at the Univer-
sity— football, baseball, rowing, track athletics,
basketball, cricket, swimming, fencing, wrestling,

178

ATHLETICS

gymnastics, tennis, golf, shooting, Association
football, Rugby football, and lacrosse. There are
'Varsity squads in all and Class teams in many of
these, and they are directed by competent teachers;
the active participants are close to a thousand men;
and with the development of adjacent land along
the river under control of the University, more
men will undoubtedly take part.

When one remembers that Philadelphia was
settled by English Quakers it is easy to see why
cricket was so popular at an early time. It was
the first organized game at the University. The
English hosiery weavers in Germantown formed a
club about 1842. They played in a field near
Logan Station, on the Old York Road, and here
William Rotch Wister, '46, began his cricket.
Mr. Wister found a number of his fellow-students
at the University ready to form a club and so organ-
ized the Junior Cricket Club there. This was the
first club of Americans formed in the United
States and Mr. Wister was chosen its first Presi-
dent. He may be regarded as the father of Amer-
ican cricket and played actively and in many
matches up to 1861. He was the chairman of the
meeting which formed the Philadelphia Cricket
Club, in 1854, and became its first Vice-President.

Though the total enrollment of the University
was only 479 in 1843, yet the cricket club had a
membership of forty, a coach, and a place to prac-

179

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

tice indoors during the winter months. This was
at "Barrett's Gymnasium," in Chestnut Street
about Sixth. Some of the original members were
S. Weir Mitchell, '48, John J. Borie, '50, William
S. Blight, '46, George Harding, '46, Hartman
Kuhn, Jr., '49, John Perot, '46, Thomas Steward-
son, '47, Benjamin W. Richards, '49, T. H.
Bache, '46, and Frederick Klett, '46. The first
outside match was played with the Germantown
Cricket Club atMr. Coleman Fisher's place on Man-
heim Street, Germantown, in 1843, and from that
time to this cricket has been played at the University.
The first Inter-Collegiate game in any branch
of sport was played at Haverford College, May 7,
1864, between a cricket eleven of the University
of Pennsylvania and one from Haverford College.
It was won by Haverford, darkness coming on
before the second inning was finished, and the
game being therefore decided upon the result of
the first inning. The umpires were: for Pennsyl-
vania, Beauveau Borie, and for Haverford, Edward
Starr. The score:

FIRST INNING OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

J. W. Hoffman, c. Garrett, b. Vail o

William F. Armstrong, c. & b. Wistar 7

Horace Magee, b. Vail 22

W. George Oakman, b. Ashbridge 2

Charles E. Morgan (Captain), b. Ashbridge. . . o

Cadwalader Evans, run out 3

o
1 80

ATHLETICS

Frederick W. Beasley, Jr., b. Wistar 3

John Clark Sims, b. Ashbridge 4

John B. Morgan, c. Cooper, b. Vail I

Thomas Mitchell, not out 4

Byes 5

Wides 9

Total 60

SECOND INNING

J. W. Hoffman, b. Wistar i

William F. Armstrong, b. Ashbridge 3

Horace Magee, not out 5

W. George Oakman, not out 3

Cadwalader Evans, run out. 2

Frederick W. Beasley, Jr., b. Ashbridge 9

John B. Morgan, 1. b. w., b. Wistar 3

Thomas Mitchell, b. Wistar o

Wides i

Total 27

HAVERFORD COLLEGE

Randolph Wood (Captain), b. Hoffman 20

W. Ashbridge, run out 3

A. Haviland, b. Oakman o

E. L. Scull, b. Oakman o

A. Garrett, b. C. E. Morgan 7

M. Longstreth, b. C. E. Morgan 3

C. C. Wistar, b. Evans 24

B. A. Vail, c. Armstrong, b. Magee 2

George Smith, 1. b. w., b. Evans 12

A. C. Thomas, b. Evans o

H. M. Cooper, not out 5

Extras 13

Total 89

181

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

This was an achievement of note, and Haver-
ford and Pennsylvania have played cricket together
ever since with nothing but cordiality and mutual
respect between them. In 1881 they founded the
Inter-Collegiate Cricket Association which has
had a continuous career to the present day, and a
membership in which the two founders have always
been active with Harvard, Princeton, Cornell and
Trinity among the other members at various times.
Pennsylvania elevens have carried Philadelphia
cricket to England, Ireland, Canada and Bermuda,
sharing this honour with numerous sides composed
of the gentlemen of Philadelphia and club elevens.

AH International elevens from this country
have contained a number of Pennsylvania men,
the greatest of all being George S. Patterson, '90.
Other notables have been Edward W. Clark, Jr.,
'77, John B. Thayer, Jr., '82, William W. Noble,
'85, J. Alison Scott, '85, Samuel Welsh, '85,
W. Brockie, '85, Crawford Coates, Jr., '87, Francis
H. Bohlen, '88, Francis W. Ralston, Jr., '88,
Walter Scott, '89, Henry I. Brown, '91, Harry
C. Thayer, '92, Reynolds D. Brown, '94, Samuel
Goodman, '97, Percy H. Clark, '99, Frank A.
Greene, 'oo, T. Carrick Jordan, '01, N. Z. Graves,
'02, and F. S. White, '05.

A cricket match to be remembered was played
on September 13, 14, and 16, 1895, at the Philadel-
phia Cricket Club between past and present

182

ATHLETICS

players of Oxford and Cambridge and Pennsyl-
vania. It was won by the Pennsylvania side,
which scored 138 and 307 to the visitors' 284 and
61. The men who played were W. Brockie, H. C.
Thayer, E. W. Clark, Jr., J. S. Clark, G. S. Pat-
terson, C. Coates, Jr., F. H. Bohlen, W. W. Noble,
F. W. Ralston, H. I. Brown and S. Goodman.

In 1907 the Eleven toured England and Ire-
land under the guidance of J. Alison Scott, '85,
and achieved remarkable success, its record at
home and abroad being thirteen games won, eight
drawn and two lost. The following men composed
this team: Lothrop Lee, '07, Captain, F. Wharton
Baker, '07, Harold H. Bond, '07, Wayne S. Evans,
'07, Norman St. C. Hales, '07, Joseph M. Shoe-
maker, '07, Arthur N. Goodfellow, '08, C. Merwyn
Graham, '08, Donald Graham, '08, Ruckman Lee,
'08, Harold H. Morris, '08, Walter F. Keenan,
Jr., '08, Herbert V. Hordern, '09, and Charles H.
Winter, 'n.

It seems best to relate the origin of the other
early sports at the University in the words of those
who took part.

John W. Townsend of the class of '75 has an
interesting recollection of the beginnings of football
at the University in the fall of 1871. He modestly
omits his name from the list of players and is the
father of five sons, four of whom have made their
"P" at Pennsylvania.

183

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

When the University of Pennsylvania consisted of only
two buildings at Ninth and Chestnut Streets, a game of so-
called football was played between the Senior Class and the
other three College classes.

The following is a copy of a valued archive:
"The eighteen undersigned members of the Senior
Class hereby do challenge an equal number — to be chosen
six from each of the remaining classes — to play a match game
of football on Saturday, December 9, 1871. The two sides
will meet at the Philadelphia Cricket Grounds at 10 o'clock,
each provided with a football. The side winning three
mounts out of five will retain the two balls. Should this
challenge be accepted you will please return with its accept-
ance the names of your eighteen players, after which no
substitutes will be allowed. (Signed):

1. W. M. Meigs 10 E. G. Hirsch

2. E. Hopkinson n. Wm. P. Huston

3. Robt. P. Field 12. C. Elvin Haupt

4. J. Bonsall Taylor 13. W. H. Washington

5. L. K. Lewis 14. H. Murphy

6. Geo. T. Purves 15. Sutherland Law

7. R. C. Dale 16. J. M. Murray

8. Hood Gilpin 17. Louis M. Childs

9. Horace Castle 18. A. Burt

To Messrs. H. Carleton Adams, William H. Addicks, and
John W. Townsend, Presidents of Junior, Sophomore and
Freshmen Classes."

Of the above-named, George T. Purves became a prom-
inent Presbyterian divine and a professor in the Princeton
Theological Seminary, R. C. Dale became one of the most
prominent members of the Philadelphia Bar, E. G. Hirsch
is the well-known Rabbi of Chicago, Louis M. Childs is the
Norristown lawyer, L. K. Lewis the Athenaeum Librarian,
and other names will be recognized as well known in Phila-
delphia affairs, past and present.

ATHLETICS

As to those who played from the other three classes,
all that have been consulted have very hazy recollections,
after 43 years. As far as can be ascertained or surmised,
they were: Samuel T. Bodine, President of the United
Gas Improvement Company; Randal Morgan, Vice-Presi-
dent of the same Company; Walter George Smith, promi-
nent lawyer, churchman and orator; Coleman Sellers, late
President of the Commercial Exchange of Philadelphia;
Lawrence T. Paul, electrical engineer; Judge Bernard Gil-
pin, Judge William W. Porter, Effingham B. Morris, Presi-
dent Girard Trust Company ; William T. Elliott, President
Central National Bank; William R. Philler, Secretary Real
Estate Trust Company, and Lindley Johnson, the architect.

Nothing much is remembered of the game except that
it was very crude and primitive compared with modern foot-
ball, probably something like an "association" game. There
were no football suits, just any old clothes, and no girls for
audience. The following reference is made to it in the Uni-
versity Record of the Class of '72: "Football, which has
been greatly in abeyance for some time, took a vigorous
start last fall in two games; one between the Sophomores
and the Freshmen, in which the latter were victorious, and
the other between the Seniors and the rest of the College.
The last contest was a most exciting one. After three to
four hours of continual kicking, the Seniors obtained the
best out of 5 'homers' and were declared victors."

Henry P. Lincoln, '80, of Williamsport, Penn-
sylvania, was a University Captain and has an
intimate recollection of the introduction of the
Rugby game. Here it is:

My first knowledge of football was obtained at Adams
Academy, Quincy, Massachusetts, which I attended for sev-
eral years previous to 1876. One of the professors of this

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

school was a Harvard graduate, whom we called "Billy"
Tyler. He and the Principal of the School, William Rey-
nolds Dimmock, were two exceedingly lovely men, and were
great friends; they were familiarly known as the manly boy
and the boyish man. The Principal was far too old (in
fact, was lame) to participate in the sport, but "Billy" Tyler
did, and was much encouraged in doing so by Professor
Dimmock. I believe these two men were largely responsi-
ble for building up quite a football enthusiasm in and around
Boston, and in inducing quite a number of men to attend
Adams Academy, who afterward became renowned in Col-
lege football. I, particularly, remember a man by the name
of Gardner from Boston, who made most wonderful drop-
kicks, and, I think, was afterward a renowned player at
Harvard. Professor Tyler had, during his time at Harvard,
been a football player, and, if I mistake not, was on the first
team which played Rugby rules, and had gone to Canada in
order to have games under those rules with Canadian Col-
leges— this for the reason that no one of the Colleges in the
United States played this game. I merely introduced this
in order to get my start in the game, and I would also say
that Mr. Evans Dick, who was afterward a captain of the
University of Pennsylvania team, was a student at Adams
Academy.

When I started as a Freshman in 1876 at the Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania there was very little athletic feeling
in the University. There were no dormitories; there were
very few scholars; there was no good place for dressing for
games, and the hours at which the different classes were dis-
missed were not always the same. The classical side of the
College generally got out earlier than the scientific side,
which often had work in the afternoon up to four or five
o'clock. There was little or no connection between the
scholars in the College and those in the Medical Department.
I dare say it is very hard for the present students to under-
stand what these difficulties meant in the way of getting up a

186

ATHLETICS

team. For instance, it was not always possible to get what
we thought was the best material for the football team; we
had to take the men who would play, and would go to some
trouble to do so.

When I, as a Freshman, went out on the football field
at the back of the College where Houston Hall now stands,
I found a team under Charles Farnum as captain. I think
every man on the team had a pamphlet or book of rules of
the Rugby game in his hands. Against this team anybody
and everybody in the College was allowed to play. This
was known as the Scrub, and a good many of them had pam-
phlets in their hands. After some time it was decided that
the ball should be kicked off. As nobody else seemed to do
anything, I, as one of the Scrub, captured the ball and started
to run for a touchdown, which I had no difficulty in
making as all the team were reading their books to see
whether things were regular, and nobody interfered with
me. I brought the ball out and dropkicked the goal, and
again nobody interfered with me, but there was a great deal
of consultation and going over the books to see whether
everything was regular. It was finally decided that the
Scrub had kicked one goal against the 'Varsity. Before the
game was over, I had probably done some other things that
led Captain Farnum to believe I knew something about the
game. Anyhow, I can distinctly remember Farnum saying,
"Freshie, what's your name? Have you ever played this
game before?" Upon giving satisfactory answers to these
questions, I was asked to join the team to play against the
Scrub. I had the pleasure after this of teaching the
members of the club all I knew about the game, and I
also played on the team whenever my College work would
permit.

The Rugby game as then played was very much differ-
ent from the football of today. I think the first changes
from the old Rugby rules were due to a very unsportsman-like
feeling, viz., that it sometimes paid to break a rule because

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

the punishment was not so severe as to overcome the ad-
vantage gained by breaking the rule.

In your consideration of the game of football as played
at the University of Pennsylvania, you must take into ac-
count that at that time there was a considerable amount of
energy used up in playing baseball, cricket, and rowing, and
that all three of these sports were far more popular than
football. If I remember rightly, we had some quite distin-
guished cricket teams.

About this same time the Athletic Association at the
University was either established or became more active
than it had been. I remember that in order to permit run-
ners and walkers to train, a cinder path was constructed
around the football field, and that John Perot, of the Class
of '80, used to do considerable walking on this path. I also
remember another man of the Class of '80, by the name of
Harrah, who started the pole vault, and that H. H. Lee, of
'79, did some wonderful stunts in jumping, putting the shot
and hammer, but the principal thing he did was to establish a
low record for a loo-yard dash. If I remember correctly, it
was 10 seconds flat. Lee was probably one of the best athletes
ever attending the University, and if he had received the
training which the present athletes have, he would have
produced a most wonderful record.

John C. Sherlock, '75, remembers the first
game of baseball played by the University nine.
It was indeed "a time of small things" in baseball.
Captain Sherlock was a modest leader. He writes
from Long Island:

If my memory is good, I think the first baseball nine
of the U. of P. to appear in uniform was in the Sophomore
year of the Class of '75, and our first game, played away
from our cinder and boulder grounds in the rear of College
Hall, was at Chester, Pennsylvania, where the Hyatt Acad-

188

ATHLETICS

emy nine did us up. The nine consisted of S. Johnson, c.;
Kelley, p.; Gowen, ist b.; Handy, 2nd b.; Andrews, 3rd b.;
Hollis, s. s.; Sherlock, 1. f.; Hall, c. f.; Porter, r. f. and change
pitcher.

After the game we were entertained at a repast and
invited to come again by Colonel Hyatt, also complimenting
us on our fine appearance. The U. of P. were called on to
respond. After much talk among ourselves, the bunch
called on the Captain. I had never made a speech before,
not even in Chapel, so simply said, "We thank you for your
hospitality and will certainly come again." Great applause,
but I thought at the time, most of it from the U. of P. con-
tingent.

A little more detail comes to us from William
D. Kelley, '76, who is now living in Chattanooga,
Tennessee :

It is a far cry from the triangle bounded by College
Hall, Woodland Avenue and Thirty-Fourth Street, to the
Franklin Field of today, and equally far from the ash piles and
debris which covered the former, to the turf of the latter.
The first University baseball nine of which the writer has
any knowledge was organized late in '72 or early '73, and
was composed of members of the classes of '75, '76, and '77.
There was little change in its membership until the Class
of '75 was graduated, when the nine practically disbanded.
John C. Sherlock, F. B. Gowen, W. W. Porter, L. Johnson,
W. H. Hollis, of '75; H. W. Andrews, E. S. Handy, H. R.
Hall, and Wm. D. Kelley, of '76, and Ray W. Jones, of '77,
constituted this mighty nine, which was never known to
practice together except when engaged in a match game.

Our practice ground was the before-mentioned triangle
where fungo batting could be enjoyed. Sometimes we
played on the lot south of College Hall, between it and the
site of the University Hospital, which was then being built.

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Homeless, we played an occasional match game with local
clubs on the grounds of the Young America Club at Stenton.
Our aspirations were the highest, but we never reached the
realm of the big four of the day, to wit, Harvard, Princeton
Yale and Columbia. We played, on their own grounds,
such teams as Hyatt's Military Academy at Chester, Swarth-
more, and once ventured as far as Easton where we played
Lafayette. With no support from the University author-
ities, athletics of every description struggled along. The
first baseball team had no club house. Its equipment was
kept by the members at their homes, except a few bats and
balls which were left with Pomp, the janitor, to be used at
odd times for practice.

If this team ever won a game from another College,
the writer fails to remember it. Colors, we had none, except
the ancient white and blue, which were the same as those of
Columbia and were therefore not used. During these years
came the Athletic Association and the adoption of the Car-
dinal and Dark Blue, but that is another story.

Thomas Lynch Montgomery, '84, now State
Librarian, as befits his position, has contributed
some varied and interesting recollections:

Although born in Germantown I was sent at the age
of eight to Ury House, Fox Chase, which was then kept by
Mrs. Crawford, and this school turned out a great many
well-known Pennsylvania men. Mrs. Crawford was an
English lady and the tendency in the school was all toward
cricket as a sport, and of the men that I remember there
Joseph U. Crawford, '62, and his older brothers, Henry
Gordon McCouch, N. Allen Stockton, '79, George Harding
of the Class of '80, Harry Fuller, '82, and Jim Bond, '77,
stand out conspicuously. Sam Shober, '85, came, I think,
the next year. After staying at home for a winter I went
to the Hill^School at Pottstown, where baseball was a favorite

190

ATHLETICS

sport. The tendency of the Meigs Brothers at that time was
toward Lafayette, their Alma Mater, and I cannot remem-
ber any Pennsylvania men who were in that school at that
time.

In the fall of 1875 I went to the Episcopal Academy.
At this period the Department of Arts received its best
students from the Episcopal Academy, Rugby Academy and
Fanes' School, together with some of the graduates of the
Central High School. Cricket and football were both pop-
ular sports and John and George Thayer were on the school
elevens. It is needless to say that in teamwork and in indi-
vidual performance these fellows were among the leaders
of their time.

Lincoln was in the Class of '80 and he was about the
only one in the class to distinguish himself at football, al-
though the class had a most versatile athlete in Bertram
Hughes, a hard-hitting cricketer in George Murphy. Lin-
coln was a very lively half-back and added a great deal to
the gayety of nations whenever he grabbed the ball.

'8 1 contributed Joseph Trowbridge Bailey, one of the
best half-backs of his time, and George Thayer, who won
about thirty first prizes in track athletics, was captain of the
football team and was also an oarsman of considerable abil-
ity. Ellis Ballard succeeded in annexing a couple of Inter-
Collegiate championships and Joseph S. Clark was a tennis
and a cricket expert.

'82 brought John Thayer, one of the best all-round
athletes ever known at Pennsylvania, and Tom Hunter, who
was the leading oarsman of his time.

On June 4, 1881, the cricket eleven won from Haver-
ford for the first time in years. I had the melancholy pleas-
ure of blocking balls for about an hour while John Thayer
contributed enough to tie the Haverford score. The bat-
ting and bowling of Joe Clark and John Thayer together
with the wicket-keeping of George Thayer were responsible
for this'result. It might be said at this time that the athletic

191

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

events of the year paled in comparison with the cremation
ceremonies of the Class of '83. The medicals had resolved to
break up the ceremonies, and sticks and stones were thrown
at random for about two hours, during which time the speak-
ers went on with their parts despite the flying missiles and a
plentiful supply of overdue eggs. The use of the goal-posts
on the Campus as battering-rams gave the affair a Graeco-
Roman aspect. The upper classmen did great service in this
contest in wiping up the stone-throwers on the outskirts of
the crowd.

In May, 1882, baseball was resuscitated at Pennsyl-
vania, chiefly through the efforts of Schamburg, '82. Two
games were played with Rutgers, each College winning a game.

Throughout the years of which I have spoken Pennsyl-
vania had good tennis players, but there was little concerted
action except during the time that J. S. Clark and John
Thayer were partners.

In rowing, one of the most popular victories ever gained
by Pennsylvania was in 1879 over Columbia and Princeton.
In fact this victory gave the encouragement which brought
forth the splendid oarsmen who made Ward famous and inci-
dentally won many honors for the University. I remember
buying a red and blue hat-band for this race which cost 75
cents and this represented a week's income at that time. In
fact I think I am overstating the case.

Bond, Stewart, Kennedy and Hart became heroes and
many with invisible calves took to the machines. Cornell
for some years was our only real competitor and we won a
fair share of victories from them. Columbia also ran. Dick-
inson, Hunter, Wiltberger, Gray, Sergeant and Martin
were strong performers. The crew of 1882, consisting of
Wiltberger, '85; Gray, '84; Hunter, '82, and Sergeant, '84,
was the best crew of my time, and Cornell rowed fourth in
the Lake George contest.

In the fall of 1883 under the captaincy of A. L. Gray
one of the best football teams was developed. Gray, taking

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ATHLETICS

the five-year course, was captain for two years and I was
manager during that time. The team was strengthened by
Beck, Medical Department, from Yale; W. S. Harvey,'85,
and Sid. Thayer, '86. George Sergeant developed into one
of the finest goal-kickers within my memory and Price, '84,
was the finest linesman of his time. Columbia, Harvard,
Johns Hopkins and Lafayette were badly beaten and the
only reverse was the well-played game with Princeton. In
this game Paul Thompson made a beautiful run through the
Princeton team and when tackled near the goal-line passed
the ball to Beck, who made a touchdown.

It must be remembered that at this time we had no
coaching, except in rowing, and the practicing was of the
most desultory kind. Randolph Faries, '85, won the Inter-
Collegiate mile run and W. B. Page startled the world with
his high jumping.

In '84 the University developed a strong tug-of-war
team, consisting of Sergeant, Price, Clement Jones of '84
and Paul Thompson of '85. It was some time after we
entered College before a gymnasium was provided. A lot
of apparatus was placed in what had been the Assembly
Room in the basement. The crews used the machines in the
east corridor. A path of cinders encircled the Campus and
to be tackled thereon in football was a painful business.
The team generally spent the time of intermission in picking
the cinders out of their arms. All the teams provided their
own suits and each team had to settle its own accounts, as no
money was provided by the General Athletic Association.

Reginald L. Hart, '79, stroked the first crew
which competed for Pennsylvania in Inter-Collegi-
ate rowing. His continued interest is well known:

The College Boat Club was organized in 1872 through
the efforts of men of the Class of '75, Calhoun Megargee,
Carroll Smyth, Wm. R. Philler, Francis I. Gowen, Effingham
B. Morris, Eugene Townsend and Bernard Gilpin being

13 193

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

among those most active. These men succeeded in raising
the funds to build the house, which ever since has been used
as the boat house of the University. For several years
the members confined their efforts to inter-class, inter-club
and Schuylkill Navy races.

The first Inter-Collegiate competition engaged in was
in 1879, when Princeton, Columbia and Pennsylvania inaug-
urated the Child's Cup Races. The crew was made up as
follows: James Bond (Bow and Captain), Wm. M. Stewart,
Jr. (No. 2), Davidson Kennedy (No. 3), Reginald L. Hart
(Stroke). We were coached by Ellis F. Ward and were
fortunate enough to win, Columbia being a close second and
Princeton third. More than ordinary interest attached to
this race by reason of Columbia having won the Visitors'
Cup at Henley the previous year.

Whatever measure of success we achieved in the early
days was not without personal sacrifice; we paid dues of $24
per annum to the Boat Club, we bought our own uniforms,
contributed to the salary of our coach, and paid our own
traveling expenses and board when on trips away from home.
Contrast with this the non-essential extravagance of present-
day administration.

In conclusion let me quote from a noted English his-
torian in summing up his estimate of the American soldiers
of the Revolution, when he said: "They learned to stand in
need only of a few things; to be content with the small
allowance; to suffer as well as to act. Their councils, under
the most distressing circumstances, took a grand and high-
spirited course and they were finally triumphant," and this
was equally true of the pioneer oarsmen of Pennsylvania.

The Athletic Association was formed in 1873
by a number of undergraduates of the classes of
*75> '76, and '77 with a view to promoting track
and field sports at the University. In the follow-
ing spring the association was reorganized and

ATHLETICS

opened to all classes with E. B. Morris, '75, presi-
dent, G. S. Philler, '77> vice-president, W. R.
Philler, '75, treasurer, S. T. Kerr, '75, secretary,
and W. T. Elliot, '75, H. W. Andrews, '76, J. R.
Fell, '77, and J. Murphy, '78, directors. There
was no track at the University, so the contests
were held on Steel's trotting track near Haines
Street and Limekiln Pike, Germantown, the Ger-
mantown Cricket Club, or the Young American
Cricket Club grounds near Nicetown. The other
sports already established had associations of
their own and were separately managed. Just as
in the case of the separate departments of the
University and in the Alumni Society, this arrange-
ment was hard to change, but all yielded at last to
a united organization when the present corporation
was formed on November 21, 1882, with Thomas
McKean, '62, president, E. C. Mitchell, '55,
Edwin N. Benson,'S9, John Markoe, '60, J.William
White, '71, vice-presidents; E. B. Morris, '75, sec-
retary; W. R. Philler, '75, treasurer; John C.
Sims, '65, H. C. Olmstead, '72, James P. Scott,
Charles H. Townsend, '74, and Alfred G. Baker,
'51, directors. The "Old Field" was secured from
the Trustees of the University and here at Thirty-
Seventh and Spruce Streets many notable games
were played from 1885 to 1895.

It was opened by the Spring Athletic Sports
on May n, 1885. When the Dormitories were

195 •

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

started in 1893 the Trustees authorized the
transference of athletics to what is now Franklin
Field, the modest, homelike athletic "plant"
within the bounds of the University, equipped
at a cost of $500,000 by a committee headed by
the indefatigable J. William White. Here games
were begun in 1895. Although the Athletic Asso-
ciation, through its Board of Directors, made
up of graduates and undergraduates, managed the
details of athletics, the real or ultimate control was
in the hands of the University Committee on
Athletics commonly known as "the Faculty Com-
mittee." It was composed of a member of the
Faculty of each department, two Trustees, two
Directors of the Athletic Association and two
undergraduates. This committee drew up rules
of eligibility, known as the "Ironclad" and decided
all matters pertaining to them as well as schedules
and coaches. Until he became Provost Dr. Edgar
F. Smith was the chairman of this committee. He
was succeeded by Dr. Arthur W. Goodspeed, '89,
Professor of Physics. For many years the most
active members of the committee were Dr. J.
William White, '7 1 , and John C. Bell, '84. The intense
rivalry and bitterness of College athletics in the
nineties and early nineteen-hundreds brought many
a heated controversy and much abuse to these
men which was exaggerated by the frequent mis-
leading partisan accounts in the newspapers, organs

? 3

3 W

1 3

3 w

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ATHLETICS

of public opinion which Pennsylvania seems never
to have managed to influence.

Pennsylvania's first notable achievement in
football was the defeat of Harvard in 1884 by the
score of 4 to o. It was not until 1892, under the
coaching of George W. Woodruff, '95, that we
took the prominent place in Inter-Collegiate foot-
ball that we still occupy. The defeat of Princeton
at "Manheim," the grounds of the Germantown
Cricket Club, November 5th, by the score of 6 to
4, is the red-letter day of the game at Pennsylvania.
The halves in those days were forty-five minutes
each with ten minutes' intermission. In the words
of "Pop" Thayer, '92, who played full-back and
kicked the goal that won the game after "Jake"
Camp, '93, had made the touchdown, "we fought
like hell for the game and for our lives." " Charlie "
Schoff, '93, was the Captain of this team and with
the blond-haired "Dick" Simmons, '93, played
end. John W. Adams, 92, was at center; Henry
Thornton, '94, and H. D. Oliver, '94, guards; J.
L. Reese, '96, and H. A. Mackey, '93, tackles;
"Bucky" Vail, '94, quarter-back; Camp and
Arthur Knipe, '94, halves. That night there was
a great celebration in the city but i,t was more than
duplicated when the '94 team beat Princeton 12 to
o at the Trenton Fair Grounds on November loth
of that year. This team, captained by Arthur
Knipe, was the best Pennsylvania has ever pro-

197

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

duced and the eleven men played throughout the
season without change, defeating Princeton, Cor-
nell and Harvard besides the usual games with
lesser lights. The line-up was M. G. Rosengarten,
'95, and Charles S. Gelbert, '97, ends; O. F. Wag-
enhurst, '96, and John H. Minds, '95, tackles; W.
G. Woodruff, '97, and Charles M. Wharton, '96,
guards; Albert E. Bull, '96, center; Carl S. Wil-
liams, '97, quarter-back; W. D. Osgood, '95, and
A. Arthur Knipe, '94, halves; and George H.
Brooke, '95, full-back. Chestnut Street was
jammed after the victory over Princeton, from
Ninth to Broad Streets, with a singing, yelling,
pushing, marching crowd. The cafes were filled
with roysterers and the performance of "Russell's
Comedians" at the Chestnut Street Theatre had
to suspend, so great was the enthusiasm. That
concluded our engagements on the gridiron with
our nearest rival.

The Harvard game at Cambridge in 1895,
which we won 17 to 14, was one of the hardest
ever played because of the incompetency of the offi-
cials, who made us play forty-five minutes too
long and permitted the Harvard line to charge
when our flying interference started, which was
before the ball was put in play. George Brooke
kicked a goal from the field that won the game for
Pennsylvania. In 1895 Harvard came to Franklin
Field and Captain "Jack" Minds made a long run

198

ATHLETICS

down the side line for a touchdown only to be
brought back by the umpire, who said he stepped
out of bounds — a decision still vigorously disputed.
This was followed by a famous march to victory,
8 to 6, in the last few minutes of play. There are
of course many games and incidents which old
graduates recall with joy, but two stand out par-
ticularly in addition to those mentioned. In 1902
the first half of the Cornell game on Thanksgiving
Day ended 1 1 to o against us and our friends from
Ithaca offered to shorten the second half. This
was the touch needed to inspire the team and they
pulled out a victory 12 to 1 1. In 1906 Cornell had
a very strong team and outplayed us throughout
the game. She could not score, however, and the
game ended o to o after Pennsylvania had held
for five downs inside the two-yard line in the last
few moments of play.

George Woodruff retired as coach in 1901
after producing some remarkable teams and estab-
lishing "guards' back" as one of the greatest plays
in the history of the game. Carl S. Williams, '94-C,
?97M, was made head coach, and then began
Pennsylvania's system of graduate coaching which
is too well known to need description. There are
names in our football history besides those men-
tioned which ought to be recorded in any chronicle
of the game at the University — such men as the
Thayer family, George, '81, John, '82, Sydney,

199

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

'86, Harry, '92, Walter, '97 and Edmund, '12,
(Alexander, '10, played on the baseball team and
John B., Jr., '16, on the cricket eleven); A. J.
Gray, '84 (three years captain), F. W. W. Graham,
'87, T. W. Hulme, '89, Edgar M. Church, '92
(three years captain), A. J. Bowser, '90, B. Dickson
'97, John Hedges, '99, Peter D. Overfield, '99,
John H. Outland, 'oo, Samuel Goodman, '97,
J. C. McCracken, '99, W. N. Morice, '99, T.
Truxton Hare, 'or (the peer of them all), Otis F.
Lamson, '07, Robert G. Torrey, '06 (a great cap-
tain), Vincent M. Stevenson, '08 (a brilliant
quarter-back), E. L. Greene, '08, A. L. Smith, '05,
H. W. Scarlett, '07, Robert C. Folwell, '08, W.
M. Hollenback, '08, E. L. Mercer, '13, and C. A.
Minds, '14.

Baseball has had many ups and downs since
its beginning. About 1891 the teams improved
and in 1896 a wave of reform and purity swept the
country that affected all College nines by elimi-
nating those who played in the summer at various
resorts. In 1892 the team was captained by
"Beau" Thompson, '94, a very popular man and a
hard hitter. He appeared on the score card as a
second baseman but was noted for fielding all the
positions adjacent to this one. Clarence Bayne,
'95, pitched for this team and was the greatest
pitcher that ever played College baseball. He
faced Yale one Saturday, struck out seventeen

200

ATHLETICS

men, and on the Monday following struck out
thirteen. In the first game he pitched against
Harvard he struck out the first seven Crimson
batsmen. In the game with Wesleyan the score
was 3 to 2 in our favor in the eighth inning when
the first man up tripled. Bayne struck out the next
three men on nine successive balls. He retired
thirteen of the champion Boston National League
team on strike-outs in seven innings. Bayne died
from appendicitis before the close of the season
and a bronze tablet with his figure in relief by
Dr. McKenzie has been placed on the gymna-
sium wall.

The '94 team was the greatest we have ever
had, winning every game on Franklin Field and
making more than twenty runs in each one except
with Cornell which it won 6 to o. This team was
composed of Charles M. Hollister, '94, captain;
Daniel Coogan, '95, Louis Reunig, '97, H. E.
Schoenhut, '97, A. C. Boswell, '97, A. King Dick-
son, '97, W. J. Goeckel, '96, R. G. Contrell, '95,
John Blakeley, '95, J. E. Blair, '95, Roy A.Thom-
as, '94, and George W. Reese, '96.

John Blakeley was Captain for the next
three years, a unique distinction, and one of his
team-mates was Zane Grey, '96, the now well-
known novelist whose specialty was home-run hit-
ting. Another was Theodore Brown, '01, the speedy
left-hand pitcher who won many a game for us.

201

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

The game with Princeton in 1903 marked the
resumption of these contests after a lapse since
1894, and was a hard-fought, exciting contest of
twelve innings at Princeton. The score was 3 to 3
at the end of the ninth inning and the large crowd
was held tense until the twelfth inning, when
Pennsylvania made four runs and won.

There have been some good players developed
besides those mentioned, and the list that could be
named would be a long one; Lansing, '92, Bow-
man, '90, Collier, '02, Flavell, '01, White, '01,
Londrigan, '10, and Schultz, '12, are some of them.

On the track we had a long, up-hill pathway
to distinction. Hugh de Laussat Willoughby, '77,
won the broad jump at the first Inter-Collegiate
meet in 1876, and H. H. Lee, '79, won the ico-yds.
dash and H. L. Geyelin, '77, the running high
jump in 1877. Lee was a great track athlete and
with W. B. Page, '87, world's champion high
jumper, was without a peer until the advent of
"Mike" Murphy. Ernie Ramsdell, '95, won the
100 and 220 yds. dashes and broad jump in 1895, a
remarkable record. From 1897 to 1900 Pennsyl-
vania won the Inter-Collegiate Championship
with such men as A. C. Kraenzlein, 'oo, J. C.
McCracken, '99, J. D. Winsor, '97, J. W. B. Tewk-
esbury, '99, J. P. Remington, '98, G. W. Orton,
'94, Alex. Grant, 'oo, I. K. Baxter, '01, and T.
Truxton Hare, '01.

202

ATHLETICS

Rowing really started with the formation of
the University Barge Club in 1854, as tms was
then a distinctly Pennsylvania organization, not
confined, however, to undergraduates. The Inter-
Collegiate Regattas were started in 1880 and were
won by Pennsylvania crews in 1898, 1899 and
1900. In 1901 the crew went to Henley and were
only beaten by a scant length by Leander, the
best crew in all England.

The men who rowed on the Thames were R.
R. Zane, R. H. Eisenbrey, F. L. Davenport, S.
Crowther, Jr., A. H. Flickwir (captain), G. S.
Allyn, W. G. Gardiner, J. P. Gardiner and L. H.
Smith (coxswain). John Gardiner was one of the
best strokes that ever sat in a boat, and much of
our success in these years was due to him. From
1879 to 1915, with the exception of four years when
George W. Woodruff was in charge, the crews
were coached by Ellis Ward the "Old Man" so
enthusiastically supported by all who rowed under
him. Vivian Nickalls and Joseph Wright have
revived interest in the last few years and achieved
several victories over Yale.

Space will not permit an account of the numer-
ous other games that have attained prominence in
later years, notably basketball and "soccer" foot-
ball. More ground for play is all that is needed
to make each of these flourish with the increased
number of students they now have to draw from.

203

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

The large increase in the number of games in
which a University team takes part and the general
diversity of interest among a huge body of students
have caused the abandonment of the class games
in cricket, football, baseball, track and rowing
which used to be so keenly contested and really
enjoyed. A good many of us will remember with
more pleasure and detail some of these games
with the fellows we knew than the more important
University victories. The battles for the Dean's
Trophy between the Freshman and Sophomore
Classes beginning in the early nineties as a sub-
stitute for the cane rush, seemed like critical
times in our lives. In those days there were no
palatial dressing quarters, showers or marble
pools. We dressed in front of our wooden locker
in College Hall and Ihnping back begrimed
were fortunate, after awaiting out turn, to get our
faces washed at the one cold tap in the Assembly
Room. This was real sport and we thought it
fine. To many the recollection of these old class
games is the dearest memory of their College days.
These class teams used to play games about Phila-
delphia with schools and really had quite a long
schedule. A humourous incident of '95*8 foot-ball
team in Freshman year was when John Blakeley,
its manager, wrote to the School of Design, among
others, for their " open dates.' ' This is a school for
girls and their reply was an open box of candied dates !

204

ATHLETICS

There was a famous itinerant baseball team in
the nineties called the "Sweat Nots" that played
many games within and without the College. It
was made up from year to year of blithe and con-
genial spirits without much skill at ball playing.

During the summer of 1917 an important
change in control of athletics was made at the
University. The Athletic Association remained
as a moral and supporting factor but the "control
and management" was taken over by a newly
organized "Athletic Council." By agreement
between the Association and the Trustees it con-
sists of three Trustees and three Alumni, elected
by the Trustees; three Faculty members appointed
by the Provost; and three undergraduates elected
by the Athletic Association; twelve in all. The
objects of the change were, to provide for a more
permanent and continuous policy in athletics than
could be expected from a Board of Directors elected
annually and subject at times to violent changes,
and to strengthen the business management of
athletics through a graduate manager. The con-
tract of organization is extremely general in its
terms and leaves much to interpretation. This has
occupied considerable time during the year. The
Council now mal es all contracts, collects all receipts
from games and disburses them. It fixes all rules
of eligibility. Title to Franklin Field remains with
the Association through its lease, and the Council,

205

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

so far as its annual income will permit, will transfer
funds to the Association to meet the interest on its
bonds. The Association will continue to solicit
annual members, and they will have the usual
field privileges.

The Council, headed by Dean William McClel-
lan, 'oo, of the Wharton School, adopted new
By-Laws and a new Eligibility Code. In both of
these notable advances were made. In the By-
Laws more system in management is introduced,
the student managers and captains are given
more dignity and responsibility by examinations
and commission, and the indiscriminate and irre-
sponsible publication of interviews and news is
prohibited.

Pennsylvania now has a three-year rule in its
Eligibility Code. This is the only — but a most
important — new feature. Under present conditions
of entrance to professional schools, it fixes the
real amateur standing of all our athletes. It as-
sumes not more than four years of College athletic
activity, the first year, under the rules, being in
Freshman standing. Furthermore, "good scholastic
standing" for all student activities has been de-
fined by the Board of Deans, as follows :

A student is not in good academic standing who has con-
ditions recorded in excess of one and one-half academic units.

A student is not in good academic standing who is on
general probation.

206

ATHLETICS

A student who has to repeat a year shall be regarded as
having been placed on general probation.

A student who transfers from one department to an-
other retains, during his first year in the department to which
he has transferred, the academic standing he had on leaving
the department from which he transferred.

It is probably the highest standard set any-
where in the collegiate world.

CHAPTER VII
TO THE NATION

P • HHE real test of distinction for any
• educational institution is the record in

after life of the men she has trained-
The degree of usefulness to which
they attain, as recognized by their fellow-citizens,
measures the place which their Alma Mater holds
in the progress of civilization. To describe Penn-
sylvania's contribution in some detail during more
than a century and a half would mean in large part
a history of the useful achievements of mankind in
the western hemisphere. It is a tempting field of
romance and research. The most comprehensive
record we could make here is merely to name the
men of particular distinction in various fields, a
statement long enough indeed to satisfy any reader
of the University's proud position:

In the Continental Congress — Allen, Mifflin, John and
Lambert Cadwalader, Peters, Bingham, McKean, Dickinson,
and Smith, of Pennsylvania; Hopkinson, Neilson, and Ser-
geant, of New Jersey; Paca, Seney, and Hindman, of Mary-
land; Williamson and Hill, of North Carolina; Dickinson, of
Delaware; Marchant, of Rhode Island; Grayson, of Virginia;
and Ramsay, of South Carolina.

Signers of the Declaration of Independence — Benjamin
Franklin, Robert Morris, George Clymer, James Wilson, Ben-
jamin Rush, Thomas McKean, John Penn, Francis Hop-
kinson, William Paca, and James Smith.

208

TO THE NATION

In the War of the Revolution these graduates were
particularly distinguished:

Major-General Anthony Wayne, 1765, afterward Com-
mander-in-Chief of the Army of the U. S. and the most pic-
turesque soldier America has produced.

Brigadier-General John Cadwalader, 1760.

Colonel Lambert Cadwalader, 1760.

Major-General Thomas Mifflin, 1760, Aide-de-camp to
Washington and Quartermaster-General, President of the
Continental Congress and Governor of Pennsylvania.

John Morgan, 1757, Director-General and Physician-
in-Chief of the Hospital of the American Army.

Major-General Philemon Dickinson, 1759, Chief Signal
Officer of the Continental Army and U. S. Senator.

Major-General J. P. G. Muhlenberg, 1763, U. S. Senator
from Pennsylvania.

Lieutenant-Colonel Tench Tilghman, 1761, Aide and
Secretary to Washington.

Hugh Williamson, 1757, Medical Director-General of
the North Carolina Militia.

William Grayson, 1760, Colonel and Aide-de-camp to
Washington, member of the Board of War and U. S. Senator
from Virginia.

Samuel Cadwalader Morris, 1760, Captain and member
of the Board of War.

John Neilson, 1761, Brigadier-General of New Jer-
sey Militia.

Benjamin Alison, 1765, '71 M, Surgeon of 1st Penn-
sylvania Battalion.

Rev. Thomas Read, 1766, a zealous patriot and guide to
Washington's Army.

Francis Johnston, 1 767, Colonel 5th Pennsylvania Reg-
iment, Commanding 2nd Pennsylvania Brigade.

Francis Alison, Jr., 1770, Surgeon.

Henry Latimer, 1770, Surgeon and U. S. Senator from
Delaware.

14 209

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

John Clopton, 1776, a Captain of a Virginia Company
who served throughout the war and always refused promo-
tion.

James Biddle, Captain of the "Wasp."

George Simpson, Commissary-General.

Every member of the first Medical class, with one ex-
ception, served with more or less distinction in the War.
These were the men of 1768 M: John Archer, David Co well,
Humphrey Fullerton, Jonathan Potts, Jonathan Elmer,
James Tilton, Nicholas Way, Samuel Duffield, David
Jackson, John Lawrence.

Other Medical men who served well were — William
Aspinwall, 1808; Solomon Drowne, 1781; Ennals Martin,
1782; John R. B. Rodgers, 1784; Ebenezer Crosby, 1780;
David Ramsay, 1773; Benjamin Duffield, 1774; Thomas
Parke, 1770; Alexander Skinner, 1769; William Smith, 1771;
Caspar Wistar, 1782; Charles Worthington, 1782; John
Ramsay, 1787; James Hutchinson, 1774; John Newman,
1793; Bodo Otto, 1771; E. S. Miller, 1785; J. C. Hall, 1769;
John Pfeiffer, 1791; Benjamin DeWitt, 1797; Joseph Blythe,
1784; Samuel Cooper, 1797; John Redman Coxe, 1794; Jon-
athan Easton, 1771; James Armstrong, 1769; John An-
drews, 1793; Charles McKnight, 1773, and John Houston,
1769.

In the War of 1812 the only General to achieve notable
success was Jacob Brown of the Class of 1790, who rose to be
Commander-in-Chief of the United States Army. With him
in this war were — Capt. Caesar Rodney, 1789, later Attorney-
General and Senator of the United States; Major-General
George Izard, 1792, U.S.A.; General Thomas Cadwalader,
1795, of Pennsylvania Volunteers; General John Fox, 1803, of
the Pennsylvania Militia; Colonel John Powell Hare, 1803,
U.S.A.; Rev. Robert Reid, 1805, Chaplain on Commodore
Perry's flagship; Captain Thomas I. Wharton, 1807; Major
John Ross Mifflin, 1808; Captain Thomas F. Pleasants, 1808;
Colonel Benjamin Chew, 1810; Captain Richard Bache, 1812,

210

ENTRANCE TO THE DENTAL
SCHOOL ON SPRUCE STREET

TO THE NATION

U.S.A.; John Chew, 1812, U.S.N., and Major-General Wil-
liam H. Winder.

The Medical men in the Army were — Matthew J.
Christopher, 1808; Nathan Levi Boulden, 1816; Littlebury
R. Robinson, 1810; John Smith Carpenter, 1810; James W.
Hunt, 1813; Carter Edmunds, 1814; Henry Field, 1814;
Thomas Ball, 1796; James John Hamm, 1813; Franklin
Bache, 1814; Wright Tucker, 1806; Elisha DeButts, 1805;
Wm. R. Coxe, 1817; Wm. Thomas, 1814; Charles Gignilliat,
1813; Edward Brux, 1813; Robert B. Archer, 1809; Patrick
Macauley, 1815; John Ward McCall, 1817; Wm. I. Cocke,
1798; Garrett Elliott Pendergrast, 1803 ; John P. Gough, 1800;
Oliver H. Spencer, 1803; Anthony Benezet, 1815; Richard
Shutrick, 1808; Adam Hays, 1811; Isaac Davis, 1810; Wm.
Wilmot Hall, 1808; Jacob De LaMotta, 1810; James Trimble,
1812; James C. Bronaugh, 1809; John Yates Lansing, 1811;
John R. Young, 1803; Alexander Montgomery, 1909; Joseph
Francis Lee, 1811; Wm. McCaw, 1811; Wm. H. Brown, 1812;
Wm. J. Jones, 1812; Hugh Mercer Stanard, 1812; James
Tilton, 1768; Ezekiel W. Bull, 1781; Wm. Edmonds Horner,
1814; Abraham Van Hoy, 1813; James Kent Harper, 1810;
Wm. Richard Waring, 1813; Marcus C. Brick, 1812; Wm.
Newton Mercer, 1812; Harvey Bradford, 1819; Samuel
Gaunt, 1809; George Edward Mitchell, 1805; James P. Hill,
1819; Thomas Triplett, 1798.

The Medical men in the Navy were — Samuel Ayre,
1811; Wm. Baldwin, 1807; Robert Rittenhouse Barton
1813; Wm. P. C. Barton, 1808; Gustavus Richard Alex.
Brown, 1815; Charles Campbell, 1812; Edward Cutbush,
1794; Thomas Ewell, 1805; John H. Gordon, 1813; Thomas
Harris, 1809; Samuel Jackson, 1808; Samuel Jackson, Jr.,
1838; Wm. Payne Jones, 1812; Elijah L. Lawton, 1809;
George Logan, 1802; John Morris Lynn, 1812; Robert Miller,
1807; Thos. Griffin Peachy, 1815; Thos. Barton Salter, 1813;
Samuel Vernon, 1810; Horatio Smith Waring, 1812; Bailey
Washington, 1810; Donaldson Yeates, 1810; Richard Wilmot

211

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Hall, 1806; John Archer, Jr., 1798; John Arnest, 1808; Jacob
Spellman Baer, 1808; John Hanson Briscoe, 1811; Michael
Diffenderffer, 1814; Reverdy Ghiselin, 1788; Caleb Mordecai
Jones, 1813; Allen McLane, 1811; Cosmo Gordon Stevenson,
1803; Hugh Whiteford, 1802; Henry Wilkins, 1793.

In the Mexican War there were from the College of
distinction — Buchanan McKean, 1817; Thomas L. Caldwell,
1817; Brigadier-General George Cadwalader, 1823, U.S.V.;
Captain John Mease, 1823; Joseph Beale, Jr., 1832, Sur-
geon, U.S.N.; George Harrison White, 1832, U.S.N.; Lieu-
tenant-Colonel William Gilpin, 1833; Lieutenant George
Wm. Chapman, 1833, U.S.N.; Captain Joseph Roberts, 1833,
U.S.A.; John Clifford Pemberton, 834, U.S.A.; Montgomery

C. Meigs, 1836, U.S.A.; Aaron D. Chaloner, 1837, Surgeon,
U.S.N.; Samuel B. Elliott, 1840, U.S.N.; Lieutenant Francis
E. Patterson, 1841, U.S.A.; Hewson Cox, 1841, Staff Inter-
preter to General Scott; James H. Watmough, 1841, U.S.N.;
Wm. Lowber, 1842, Surgeon, U.S.A.; G. Mallet-Prevost, 1842,
Surgeon; Horace R. Wirtz, 1842, Surgeon; Robert Newton,
1842, Assistant-Surgeon; Lieutenant Andrew M. Law, 1844,
New Jersey Volunteers; Lieutenant Alexander McKinley,
1844, New Jersey Volunteers; James Suddards, 1844, Assist-
ant-Surgeon, U.S.N.; Lieutenant George B. McClellan, 1844,
U.S.A.; Lieutenant T. Hewson Neill, 1845, U.S.A.; George

D. Twiggs, 1846, Aide-de-camp to General Twiggs.

From the Medical Department there were — Wm.
Shakespeare King, 1833; Thos. Cooper Madison, 1838; Joel
Martin, 1809; Robert Hedding McGinniss, 1845; Richard
McSherry, Jr., 1841; Benj. Schaum Muhlenberg, 1845;
Robert Murray, 1843; Robert Newton, 1845; Grayson
Mallet-Prevost, 1844; Burton Randall, 1828; Robert R.
Ritchie, 1837; Wm. Roberts, 1840; Flavius Josephus Rob-
ertson, 1846; Samuel D. Scott, 1844; Josiah Simpson, 1836;
Richard French Simpson, 1840; James Bog Slade, 1826;
Robert Southgate, 1 835; Hay Hegner Steiner, 1838; John Ed-
ward Summers, 1 846; John Webb Tyler, 1 843; Joseph Walker,

212

TO THE NATION

1836; Robert C. Wickham, 1846; Horace Raguet Wirtz, 1846;
Eugene Hilarian Abadie, 1833; Richard Porter Ashe, 1844;
Joseph K. Barnes, 1838; James Fort Bozeman, 1846; Thos.
Sydenham Bryant, 1835; John Bracken Butler, 1836; Greene
Washington Caldwell, 1831; Archibald Barrington Campbell,
1840; Aaron D. Chaloner, 1840; James Lyle Clarke, 1844;
James Roberdeau Conrad, 1831; George Edward Cooper,
1847; David Camden DeLeon, 1836; Charles P. Deyerle, 1846;
Lewis Allison Edwards, 1845; Clement Alex. Finley, 1834;
John Minson Gait, 1831; John Strother Griffin, 1837; Robert
Hagan, 1846; John Fox Hammond, 1841; Wm. Hammond,
1811; Henry Lee Heiskill, 1828; Levi Hall Holden, 1839.

There were in the Navy during the Mexican War the
following Medical men — Samuel R. Addison, 1836; Benj.
F. Bache, 1823; John O'Connor Barclay, 1836; Napoleon
Constantine Barrabino, 1831; Samuel Barrington, 1822;
Oscar F. Baxter, 1842; Joseph Beale, 1836; Ephraim Jaggard
Bee, 1841; George Blacknall, 1831; Daniel Warren Brickell,
1847; Isaac Brinckerhoff, 1825; John F. Brooke, 1820;
John L. Burtt, 1842; George Clymer, 1828; Peter Benson
Delaney, Jr., 1840; Thomas Dillard, 1825; Edmund Lewis
Dubarry, 1822; Marius Duvall, 1848; Daniel Egbert, 1834;
Robert James Farquharson, 1844; Alex. Y. P. Garnett, 1841;
Joseph S. Gilliam, 1837; Horatio Nelson Glen two rth, 1828;
Daniel S. Green, 1832; James M. Greene, 1823; Chas. F. G.
Guillou, 1836; Thomas Harris, 1809; Wm. A. Harris, 1843;
Charles A. Hassler, 1833; John Hastings, 1840; Bernard
Henry, 1844; Joseph Hopkinson, 1838; Gustavus R. B.
Horner, 1826; Edward Hudson, 1839; Lewis B. Hunter, 1828;
Samuel Jackson, 1838; Richard W. Jeffrey, 1838; Wm.
Johnson,i826; Elisha Kent Kane, 1842; Philip Lansdale, 1838;
William Lowber, 1845; Robert T. Maccoun, 1843; George
Maulsby, 1831; Charles D. Maxwell, 1836; Richard T. Max-
well, 1840, Wm. F. McClenahan, 1831; Daniel C. McLeod,
1832; J. Dickinson Miller, 1835; James M. Minor, 1837;
Lewis W. Minor, 1831; Samuel Moseley, 1826; Wm. A. Nel-

213

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

son, 1839; John A. Pettit, 1844; Thomas M. Potter, 1838;
Henry S. Rennolds, 1831; Wm. S. W. Ruschenberger, 1830;
Solomon Sharp, 1826; Wm. B. Sinclair, 1838; John Thos.
Smith, 1833; J. Malcolm Smith, 1835; J. Winthrop Taylor,
1838; George Terrill, 1826; John Thornley, 1838; Wm. L.
VanHorn, 1828; Edward H. Van Wyck, 1838; Robert E.
Wall, 1843; James H. Watmough, i84iC; William Whelan,
1828; John S. Whittle, 1835; Lewis J. Williams, 1841; Joseph
Wilson, 1837; Robert Woodworth, 1834.

The remarkable record made by the University of
Pennsylvania men in the Civil War has been the subject of
wide remark. No other exhibit of the University is as credita-
ble to it as this record of her sons, for no other service of
training and character is so fine as that rendered to the State
and humanity on a great scale in a vital epoch.

University men, themselves, and the people of the
State and Nation must be astonished at the large number of
University of Pennsylvania men who served with the armed
forces during the Civil War, and the surpassing proportion of
them who rose to places of distinction and high responsibility.
Dr. Jordan places their number at 4,000, and he gives the
record of 2350. Among them were six major-generals, in-
cluding McClellan, the organizer and commander of the Army
of the Potomac, whose methods of complete preparation were
not appreciated at their full worth by either his Government
or the people in 1861 and 1862. The experience of the late
European war must result in a much higher valuation of
McClellan's services in building up an army out of the raw-
est material than was given it at the time. He also under-
stood the value of artillery as this war has made it understood.

The Southern muster contains the names of Gibson, '33,
of Virginia, Surgeon-General of the State of Virginia; Tru-
deau, '37, of Louisiana, Brigadier-General C.S.A.; Kinloch,
of South Carolina, Colonel and Surgeon C.S.A., and Medical
Director of the Department of South Carolina, Georgia and
Florida; Coale, Surgeon on Stonewall Jackson's staff; Mastin,

214

TO THE NATION

of Alabama, Medical Inspector of the Army of the Mississippi
under General Beauregard; Venable, of Virginia, Medical
Director of General E well's Division C.S.A.; Garnett, of
Virginia, Chief Surgeon C.S.A. and physician to President
Jefferson Davis and his cabinet. These are taken at random
from a long list that must ever appeal to the imagination of a
Northern University. A great part of the medical science of
the Southern Armies was the University's contribution to the
bonds that brought the two people together again.

Lieutenant-General John Clifford Pemberton, C.S.A.,
of Philadelphia, '34, commanded at Vicksburg; James Murray
Mason, '18, Senator and Commissioner with Slidell of the
Confederacy to Great Britain and France; Thomas Henry
Carter, '52, Colonel and Chief of Artillery of Early 's Corps,
Army of Northern Virginia.

To the Confederate Army and Navy the University of
Pennsylvania contributed, besides the one lieutenant-general,
2 brigadier-generals, II colonels, n lieutenant-colonels, 2
adjutants, 12 majors, 28 captains, 16 lieutenants and 535
surgeons, whose records are known, including I fleet surgeon
and 35 surgeons-in-chief and brigade surgeons.

And the roll of the North is as glorious:

Major-General George Brinton McClellan, '44, Com-
mander of the Army of the Potomac.

Major-General John Grubb Parke, '47, Burnside's Chief
of Staff and Commander of the 9th Corps, Army of the Poto-
mac, before Petersburg.

Major-General Samuel Wylie Crawford, Jr., '46. Fort
Sumpter, Winchester, Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Gettys-
burg, The Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Petersburg.

Quartermaster-General Montgomery C. Meigs, '35,
who equipped and supplied all the armies of the North and
built the aqueduct, extension to the Capitol, the General
Post-Office and the Pension Building in Washington.

Brigadier-Generals Leslie, '12; Cadwalader, '23; Rob-
erts, '33; Meredith, '34; Tilghman, '39; West, '40; Patterson,

215

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

'41; Tevis, '45; Neill, '45; Crawford, '46; Morton, '47; La
Motte, '58; Clay, '59; Markoe, '60; Leiper, '63.

Add to these dozens of colonels, majors, and captains
and hundreds of privates and a full quota of surgeons. There
is no University in the land that has such a list to be
proud of.

Besides the six major-generals, among the University
of Pennsylvania men serving with the Union forces were
15 brigadier-generals, 2 adjutant-generals, 19 colonels, 15
lieutenant-colonels, 21 majors, 85 captains, 38 lieutenants,
835 surgeons and 16 chaplains. Among the surgeons were
the Surgeon-General of the United States Army and 65 sur-
geons-in-chief and division and brigade surgeons. In the
Northern Navy were some fifty Pennsylvania men in posi-
tions of responsibility, including two fleet surgeons.

Unrivalled distinction attaches to the Civil War record
of University of Pennsylvania men in two ways. More of
them rose to be army, corps and department commanders
than did the students of any other University. While Har-
vard claims four major-generals to Pennsylvania's six, no
son of Harvard became an army commander. Pennsylvania
sent far more surgeons to the Union and Southern armies than
were sent by any other University. Some 2000 known surgeons
from this one University relieved the sufferings of soldiers
and sailors, North and South, a service to humanity unri-
valled in this country. This period of service, too, was in a
time when the College department had failed to hold the
early reputation acquired in the previous century, when so
many Pennsylvania men won distinction in the Revolutionary
struggle, and it antedated the greatest increase in strength
which set in shortly after the Civil War.

It is interesting to record the life at the Uni-
versity during the period of the Civil War as
related by several graduates who lived through
it. William Brooke Rawle, '63, says:

216

TO THE NATION

Nothing happened to interfere with our studies until
the cloud burst upon the arrival of the news that early on the
morning of Friday, April 12, 1861, that fatal shot which
began the war was fired upon Fort Sumter, in Charleston
Harbor, and upon the Stars and Stripes floating over it.
Matters then came to a crisis and pandemonium broke loose.
When we met in the College yard that morning the excite-
ment and turmoil among the students beggared description.
Indeed, the whole Nation awoke as from a trance. Realiza-
tion of the seriousness of the times had at last arrived, and
each one of us students, like everybody else, felt that he must
now take his stand for loyalty to our Government and the
maintenance of the Union of the States, or — the contrary.
Little attention was then paid to the question of slavery by
others than the politicians and the abolitionists and other
similar agitators.

The University of Pennsylvania in our time was rela-
tively a small institution. The education, so far as it went,
was more practical and thorough, to my mind, and more
serious than it is now, though the curriculum was not so
extensive nor the scholarship so high. But educational life
began earlier then than now. Up almost to our time the
custom had been for boys intended for a College education
to enter the Freshman Class at the age of thirteen years and
to graduate at seventeen. When we entered College the
average entrance age was fifteen. There was little or no
play for us as College students. During the College season
of 1860-61, in the third term of which the war broke out,
there were in the Department of Arts and the Scientific and
Partial Courses 140 students; during the second season,
that of 1861-62, there were 136; during the third, 1862-63,
there were 121; during that of 1863-64 there were 113;
and during the final season, 1864-65, there were but in.
There were, however, many more students in the Depart-
ment of Medicine, and a relatively large number in the
Law Department. Among the medical students especially

217

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

there were many from the Southern states at the outbreak
of the war.

In those days the University buildings were situated on
the west side of Ninth Street, between Chestnut and Market
Streets, with an open yard or campus between the Depart-
ment of Arts on the north, and the Medical Department on
the south, and an iron railing around both. The center of
everything in the city, in the way of news, was the Continental
Hotel, diagonally across the street, where the last intelligence
from "The Front" was always posted up conspicuously as it
came in. At exciting moments, or often when there was a
lull in affairs, we boys would stand up in class for permission
to leave the room, and would run as fast as our legs could
carry us over to the hotel, to find out the latest news from
the seat of war and then bring it back and secretly retail it
in the classroom.

About this time the Board of Trustees passed a resolu-
tion that the Faculty of Arts should be requested to institute
for the undergraduates a system of instruction in the Mil-
itary Arts and Science and the Military Drill, by and under
the direction of Professor Coppee: provided that none should
be required to attend the same against the wishes of their
parents or guardians, or in violation of their own religious
opinions.

We youngsters who remained at home were accordingly,
soon after the outbreak of the war, organized under the au-
thority and auspices of the Faculty of Arts and under the
supervision of Professor Henry Coppee, who held the chair
of Belles Lettres and the English Language and Literature,
into a cadet military company called the "University Light
Infantry" — well named, for infants many of us certainly
were, and light at that, except the full-grown muskets
we had to carry.

Professor Coppee was graduated from the United States
Military Academy at West Point, and afterwards had served
through the the war with Mexico. Subsequently thereto he

218

TO THE NATION

had resigned from the army with the brevet of captain for
gallant service. As commandant of the corps and instructor
he selected and the Faculty appointed the officers of the
company. I cannot now remember, nor have I been able to
ascertain, who were the officers of the company for the first
term of its existence, in the spring of 1861, except that
Chester D. Hartranft was the captain, John Cadwalader
(then junior) the first sergeant and I myself the fourth duty
sergeant.

The Trustees gave us for our armory the use of the
building back from the west side of Fourth Street belowArch,
where had originally stood the old "Academy and Charitable
School," the forerunner of the University. What with our
frequent drills and occasional street parades, our martial
enthusiasm was kept up to the sticking-point. Our ardour
was considerably abated for a while when we were paraded
on the Fourth of July, 1861, an exceedingly hot day, with the
"Home Guards" and militia under the command of General
Pleasonton, who kept us for hours, it seemed, in the broiling
sun at Broad and Brown Streets, while he was having his
photograph taken in full and splendid uniform, the conse-
quence being that several of our company fell outof the ranks,
thoroughly used up and exhausted. The company also
turned out to receive a beautiful silk stand of National and
State colours, presented to it by Mrs. George H. Boker, a
grand affair we thought, though the members of the band we
hired for the occasion wore citizens' clothes, and seedy ones
at that.

The infantry corps was in the fall of 1864 changed into a
battery of light artillery, and the ugly yellowish-gray cadet
cloth uniform changed to one of dark blue with red trimmings.

That sad summer of 1862, after the unfortunate cam-
paign of the Army of the Potomac on the Peninsula of Vir-
ginia, brought great gloom over the country, and to replete
our armies a conscription was ordered by the National Gov-
ernment. On August 5th the Board of Trustees met and

219

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

"Resolved, That if any undergraduates of the Univer-
sity should volunteer to serve their country in her present
noble efforts to crush a wicked rebellion, or if any such should
be drafted under the militia laws, this Board pledges itself
to make any interruption of their studies as little onerous to
them as possible, granting degrees when asked to do so by
the Faculties to all in good standing when their respective
classes shall graduate, if such undergraduates shall be at the
time of such volunteering or drafting within twelve months
of the completion of their respective courses; Provided, that
in case of the previous discharge of any of them from militia
service they shall as diligently as practicable pursue their
class studies in the University after such discharge."

Now this had a very disquieting effect on some of us
who neglected our studies at the beginning of the Senior year
(September, 1862), spent our time in drilling, practicing the
manual of arms and sabre exercise, studying tactics, taking
riding lessons, etc.

In the Chapel of the University there was
erected many years ago a mural tablet commemora-
ting nineteen of her sons in the College Department
"who died," as the inscription reads, "to uphold
the laws of their country in the War of the Great
Rebellion," and below their names there follows,
in early Greek characters, the famous memorial
couplet of Simonides of Ceos, and a translation
of its words:

Go, stranger, go! and to the Spartans tell,
That here, obedient to their laws, we fell.

A modest, yet a well-deserved tribute to the
noble dead — a silent inspiration to patriotism
and to high endeavour.

220

TO THE NATION

The nineteen names inscribed upon the tablet

were:

John Righter Jones, Class of '21
Henry Jonathan Biddle, Class of '34
Francis Engle Patterson, Class of '41
Thomas S. Martin, Class of '42
William Platt, Jr., Class of '46
James St. Clair Morton, Class of '47
Albert Owen Stille, Class of '48
Charles Frederick Taggart, Class of '52
Charles Izard MacEuen, Class of '53
Henry Courtland Whelan, Class of '53
Daniel Penrose Buckley, Class pf '55
James Hamilton Kuhn, Class of '57
Charles Baker Riehle, Class of '58
John Hazeltine Haddock, Class of '59
George McClelland, Bredin, Class of '60
Francellus Gordon Dalton, Class of '60
Archibald Hill Engles, Class of '60
Robert Patterson Engles, Class of '60
George William Powell, Class of '60
Sons of the University who died to uphold the laws of
their country in the war of the Great Rebellion.

James W. Ashton, '63, gives these recollections :

The military connection of the University with the
Civil War began when the first gun was fired at Fort Sumter.
Then was organized the "University Light Infantry," which
was the school of the soldier for many an undergraduate. It
comprised nearly all the loyal members of the College.

It was under the remarkable training of Professor
Coppee, himself a West Point man, and former teacher in
that great National institution. It counted among its ranks
some of the men who gained distinction in their several pro-
fessions later on. Its first Captain was Chester Hartranft,

221

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

who became a celebrated theologian of his church and pro-
fessor in the Hartford Seminary. It would be interesting to
look up its roster, of which I have no copy, unfortunately.
Height determined the place of the men in the ranks, and it
was my good fortune to form a file with Henry Morton,
afterward President of Stevens Institute of Technology.
Et hoc genus omne.

The drills of the squads were conducted in the large
front court of the brick school-building that stood back from
the sidewalk on Fourth Street near Chestnut. Sometimes
we were marched to open lots on North Broad Street for the
evolutions of the company. Hardie's "Tactics" was our
military textbook. And the organization was carried for-
ward in everything that appertained to efficiency and thor-
oughness. After a while we wore our uniform of gray; jackets
and trousers; our accoutrements were the knapsack, the
cartridge-box and cross-belt; our weapons, the Springfield
musket and bayonet furnished, I believe, by the State. And
these under the regulation visored cap of the volunteer army
made our appearance quite martial. For such fellows as
the war had fired with the hope of active service in the field
these factors were inspiring. But before they left their
classes their minds were drilled in warlike matters by many
of their recitations. Especially was this the case in the
reading of those Greek and Latin authors that treated of
these subjects, like Thucydides and Livy. Professor Allen
was famous for his taste for accuracy and explicitness in the
translation and explanation of military phrases and terms in
the originals. And it was one of the daily exercises of the
writer to draw diagrams of battles and maneuvres of armies
and squadrons, and of the circumvallations and sieges of
cities described in the texts. And it was his special delight
when the correspondence between the technical words of
the ancient author and their translation was illumined by
some sketch on the blackboard which the student had worked
out in the solitude of his room.

^^^

TO THE NATION

W. W. Montgomery of '65 writes:

Having been an undergraduate of the University from
1861 to 1865, the years of the Civil War, I am asked to give
some account of the feelings and doings there at that time.
My memory is of the College alone. The students of the
several departments, Arts, Law and Medicine, in those days
saw practically nothing of those of the others. A very few
medical students were members of the Glee Club and of
some of the Greek letter fraternities; but except for an occa-
sional snow battle royal between our men and the Meds on
the old Ninth Street Campus, we passed in and out among
them as total strangers, and of the undergraduates of the
Law Department we saw nothing. The general age of the
students of the College was, I should say, decidedly younger
than at the present time and the numbers very much fewer.
Our class — 1865 — had not over 50 or 60 in all, and we grad-
uated but 23.

TheTrustees and Faculty, as might have been expected
in the case of a Philadelphia College — for such it then was
essentially — were thoroughly loyal in their feelings, and so
were most of the students. Not a very large number entered
the military or naval service, except on the occasions of the
invasions of Maryland and Pennsylvania, when many of
them entered the emergency regiments and batteries, which
were disbanded and sent home when the Confederates re-
tired. Quite a number, including several men from my own
class, received appointments to West Point or Annapolis
during the course of the war. A few of the students, who
came from the Southern States, entered the Confederate
service, or were said to have done so.

With the enemy "thundering at our gates," and hun-
dreds of thousands of the young men of the land at the front
or walking the roads and streets crippled from wounds, and
families everywhere in mourning for those who had died in
the service, consciousness of the great conflict was omni-
present, yet the general course of life went on much as usual

223

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

with those at home. The University Glee Club, Class Day
and the Bowl Fight all came into being during the Civil
War; though athletics — such as there were in those days —
were a good deal interrupted.

The student is a light-hearted fellow, and in spite of the
anxiety from which old and young were never free, though
the Glee Club with John Sims at its head toured and sang
for the benefit of the Sanitary Commission, and we worked
for the cause as we got the chance, we lost no opportunity
for fun, and in the Class of '65 had a good deal of it. It was
in war times that the poet of our class, afterward a reverend
Doctor of Divinity, even as a youth passionately inter-
ested in the success of the National cause and half heart-
broken when reverses came, amused us with the doggerel
describing a professor of wide fame and for whom he had
really great respect.

Montgomery was captain of the University
Battery during the College year 1864-65. This
military organization, he says, was organized in
the spring of 1861 as an infantry company, but no
drills were held during the ensuing year and it was
not revived until the beginning of the College term
in 1862. The next year, under the direction of
Somers Hayes, '64, who had been first sergeant, by
permission of the College authorities it was recog-
ized as a Battery of Light Artillery and as such was
maintained until the end of the Civil War. Cap-
tain Hayes was a man of unusual ability as a discip-
linarian and full of enthusiasm. The organization
was never called into active service as a body,
although many of its members entered the service
in other organizations. No Medical or Law stu-

224

TO THE NATION

dents ever belonged to the company and it suffered
greatly from the want of interest on the part of the
Trustees of the University and the College Faculty.
Any student who became tired of the drills could be
permanently excused, so that it was impossible to
keep the organization sufficiently full to be a real
credit to the University. Captain Montgomery
adds, "I know that this was heart-breaking to
both Captain Hayes and his officers and afterward
to me and those under me."

Edward F. Pugh, '67, entered College in April,
1864, at the beginning of the third term Freshman
year and immediately joined the company. Drills
were held once and sometimes twice a week —
usually on Monday, sometimes on Friday after-
noon in the Armory at Broad and Race Streets.
In October, 1864, drills were held temporarily in
the building owned by the University on Fourth
Street near Arch. The battery had six (6) guns
and on Saturday, April 22, 1865, was stationed on
Penn Square firing salutes in honor of the funeral
procession of President Lincoln. Archibald Mont-
gomery and James H. Lyman, of the Class of '67,
were seriously injured by the premature discharge
of the gun which they were serving. Both finally
recovered, but Montgomery had lost an eye and
an arm. Lyman's injuries were not severe. Pro-
fessor Coppee, a graduate of West Point, was in
nominal command and the officers were students,

IS 225

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

the captains being members of the Senior Class.
Prizes were awarded for proficiency in various
exercises and in 1865 the fencing prize was taken
by Clement C. Dickey, '66. It was the custom to
present a revolver to the retiring captain.
Says George Woolsey Hodge, '65 :

As to the feeling in the College at that time, as far as my
recollection goes, I should say that the war did nothing to
interfere with its regular procedures. None of the profess-
ors went to the war, and none of my class. We were all con-
sidered too young. In fact there was an unusual spurt, so
to speak, in College interests. The class to which I belonged
was the first to adopt a class organization and hold a class
day. It instituted the custom of a Baccalaureate sermon, the
first being preached by the Rev. Phillips Brooks, then Rector
of Holy Trinity Church. It was in the College Chapel, and
the Glee Club, which was formed by our class, acted as choir.
His text was, "If the light that is in you be darkness, how
great is that darkness."

Our class also introduced the use of the College cap
at graduation. Before that none but Provost Goodwin
had worn one. I remember how difficult it was to get
them made.

To return to civil life we must record that
the University has given to the Nation:

In the Constitutional Convention — Wilson, Franklin,
Morris, Mifflin, Clymer, and Ingersoll.

Attorneys-General have been Smith, Meredith, Read,
Sergent, Morris, Brewster, McKean, Allen, Reed, Kittera,
Carson, Bell, and Brown, of Pennsylvania; Bozman, of Mary-
land; Marchant, of Rhode Island; Rodney, Gilpin, Brewster,
and Wickersham, of the United States.

United States Senators have been Dickinson, of New
226

8 :k
I &<

Mfr*

TO THE NATION

Jersey; Mason and Gray son, of Virginia; Muhlenberg and
Bingham, of Pennsylvania; Clayton, Latimer, and Rodney,
of Delaware; Whitesides and Cooke, of Tennessee; and
Walker, of Mississippi.

Governors have been Dickinson, McKean, Mifflin,
Pennypacker, and Brumbaugh, of Pennsylvania; Clayton
and Miller, of Delaware; Paca, Goldsborough, Carroll,
Thomas, and Loundes, of Maryland; Izard, of Arkansas;
Dickerson, of New Jersey; Carey, of Wyoming; Barber, of
Montana; Bibb, of Alabama; McCullough, of Vermont;
Walker, of Kansas; Hulbert, of Maine; Floyd, of Virginia;
and Gilpin, of Colorado.

Justices of Supreme Courts have been Paca, Seney,
and Ridgeley, of Maryland; McKean, Read, Tilghman,
Sharswood, Smith, Gordon, Yeates, and Mitchell, of Penn-
sylvania; and Wilson, of the United States.

Cabinet Officers — Stoddert and Boric, Secretaries of
the Navy; Peters and Garrison, Secretaries of War; Mere-
dith and Dallas, Secretaries of the Treasury; William T.
Otto, Secretary of the Interior.

Joseph Beale, Surgeon-General, U.S.N.; James Tilton
and Robert M. O'Reilly, Surgeons-General, U.S.A.; and
Washington's physicians, James Craik, and Elisha Cullen
Dick.

The machinery and dies for making the coin of the
young Republic were devised and made by Rittenhouse
when appointed Director of the Mint by Washington.

To Literature and Art — Francis Hopkinson, Henry
Reed, Benjamin West, Joseph Hopkinson, Thomas Dunn
English, Charles Dudley Warner, John McClintock, John
M. MacCauley, Robert M. Patterson, S. Weir Mitchell,
Francis O. Ticknor, Robert M. Bird, Charles Henry Liiders,
and Rene Gregory.

To Science — Ebenezer Kinnersley, Robert Hare, Alex-
ander Dallas Bache, Edward D. Cope, F. A. Genth,
Daniel G. Brinton, Caspar Wistar, James I. Biederman,

227

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Elisha Kent Kane, John Morgan, Benjamin Rush*
Philip Syng Physick, Crawford Long, H. C. Wood,
D. Hays Agnew, William Pepper, William Sellers,
J. Peter Lesley, Joseph Leidy, Benjamin Smith Barton,
John Ryder, Henry D. Rogers, Robert E. Rogers, Thomas
Cooper, James Woodhouse, and Alfred Stille.

To the Law besides those already mentioned — George
Sharswood, John I. C. Hare, George Tucker Bispham,
James Parsons, and John G. Johnson.

To Religion — The three chaplains of the Continental
Congress, Jacob Duche, Patrick Allison, the founder of the
Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, and William White, who
was the first chaplain of the Congress of the United States,
the first Bishop of Pennsylvania, and for the last forty years
of his life the presiding Bishop of the United States and a
Trustee of the University; Austin Phelps; John Henry
Hobart, Bishop of Western New York; W. H. Delancey,
Bishop of Western New York ; William H. Odenheimer, Bishop
of New Jersey; S. S. Schmucker, founder Lutheran Sem-
inary of Gettysburg; W. A. Muhlenberg, writer of hymns;
Samuel Miller, founder Princeton Theological Seminary;
James DeWolf Perry, Bishop of Rhode Island; Charles R.
Hale, Bishop of Springfield; and William P. Remington,
Bishop of Montana.

To Education — Samuel Jones, founder Brown Uni-
versity; Charles Nassau, President Lafayette; S. B. How,
and Robert Davidson, Presidents Dickinson; Jacob Hall,
President of CokesburyCollege,Maryland; Richard S.Nassau,
President of Hobart and Delaware Colleges; William Smith,
founder Washington College, Maryland; Edward D. Neille,
Chancellor University of Minnesota; Josiah Clarke Nott,
founder of Mobile Medical College; Joseph Wright Taylor,
founder of Bryn Mawr College; Henry Morton, founder of
the Stevens Institute of Technology; Lyman Pierson Pow-
ell, President of Hobart College, New York; and J. A. W.
Haas, President of Muhlenberg College.

228

TO THE NATION

Diplomats— E. S. Sayers, Minister to Brazil; E. J.
Morris, Minister to Turkey; Torben Bille, Danish Minister
to Great Britain; Lloyd Griscom, Minister to Brazil, Persia,
Turkey, Italy, and Japan; Lawrence Townsend, Minister
to Portugal and Belgium.

In the War with Spain the University con-
tributed 502 sons to the military forces of the
country. Of these Henry Clay Egbert, '56, Colonel
of the 6th Infantry at Santiago, where he was
badly wounded July ist, 1898, was made a Briga-
dier General for his gallantry. He was killed in
action at Malinta, Luzon, March 27th, 1898.

Louis Henry Carpenter, '59, a veteran of the
Civil War, was made a Brigadier General in the
War with Spain and commanded a division of the
Third Corps. He was in command of the first
troops of occupation of Cuba and displayed signal
ability as Governor of Puerto Principe.

George L. Darte, '96, U. S. Consul at Martin-
ique, W. I., discovered Admiral Cervera's Spanish
fleet.

When the Great War brought its clarion call
to humanity the University nobly responded to
her best traditions and turned over her resources
with quiet enthusiasm to the service of the Gov-
ernment.

From Plattsburg seems to have come the
initial impulse toward military training felt at the
University. Those of the students who attended

229

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

the first camp in 1915 began an agitation which
finally resulted in the establishment of a course in
military training before the 1916-17 session had
progressed very far.

The interest which had attended the projec-
tion of the course abated somewhat when the time
came for the men to devote a certain number of
hours weekly to drill. Nevertheless a very fair
number could soon be seen marching and " facing"
right and left in the "Quad" and Franklin Field.
At the same time the "O. D. " uniforms, which had
peeped forth at first somewhat in the manner of
the timid wild flower, gradually grew bolder until
the lecture and recitation rooms showed a goodly
sprinkling of this fashionable color.

As the situation began to develop and we
could feel that the entrance of the United States
into the great turmoil was daily nearing, it was
apparent to anyone whose finger was on the pulse
of the student body that this anatomy was not
insensible to the National danger.

Then came the declaration of war and the
hysterical behavior in many varied places. De-
ceived by this patriotic upheaval some rather
timid criticism was directed at the University of
Pennsylvania because her Faculty and students did
not ramp and put a stop to athletics and in general
close up shop. Then it developed that we were
following to the letter the advice of the President.

230

TO THE NATION

Our Faculty and our undergraduate leaders
preached deliberation. "The National leaders will
soon let us know what they wish us to do; let's
keep our heads," we were told again and again.
This we strove to do. We were the last to drop
athletics, and in general we did our best to keep
affairs running along normally.

It was not long, however, until figures com-
piled by the Provost showed that we had 2200
men drilling under Major William Kelly, U.S.A.,
more than any other large University. Empty
seats in the hitherto crowded lecture and recita-
tion rooms testified that the exodus had begun;
but it was not like the general panicky exodus
that tempted us, which would have ill become men
supposedly the leaders of thought in the nation.
We went with our eyes open.

Our Faculty, our laboratories and our class-
rooms were devoted unreservedly to the needs of
the hour. Notable achievements there were in
Chemistry (gases and masks), in Medicine, Dent-
istry and Veterinary Medicine.

Many members of the Faculty distinguished
themselves in the service of their country. Dr.
Alonzo E. Taylor, Professor of Physiological Chem-
istry, made important studies of the food condi-
tions abroad and was a member of the Inter-
Allied Commission; Dr. Emory R. Johnson, Pro-
fessor of Transportation and Commerce, served on

231

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

the National Export Food Commission; Dr. Leo
S. Rowe, Professor of Political Science, became
Assistant Secretary of the Treasury; Dr. Louis A.
Klein, Dean of the Veterinary School, became
Director of the American Veterinary Service
abroad as a member of General Pershing's staff,
while Dr. Clarence J. Marshall, of the same school,
took charge of the Veterinary Service of the United
States Army in America; Drs. Wm. Pepper, D. J.
McCarthy, Alonzo E. Taylor, George E. de
Schweinitz, Charles H. Frazier, Edward Martin
and G. G. Davis gave distinguished service in
medical training and service, and Dr. S. H.
Gilliland, 'oiV; ?O4M, was made Director of the
Army Bacteriological Laboratory established in the
Veterinary School.

The University Base Hospital which made
such a fine record in France was entirely outfitted
by the University, all its Surgical and Medical
staff being members of the Faculty and under the
direction of Major John B. Carnett, '99M. It
was equipped to take care of 500 cases with a force
of 150 enlisted men and 60 nurses, but the demands
made upon it in France far exceeded this.

In the Laboratory of Chemistry many notable
things were accomplished, Drs. Taggart, Shinn,
Harned and McCutcheon serving so diligently
that most of them were broken in health.

In the College, courses were given in Naviga-
tion, and in the Towne Scientific School a course

232

TO THE NATION

in Radio Communication. The Wharton School
distinguished itself by providing the first Stores
Course for the Ordnance Department of the Army,
and its Dean, Dr. William McClellan, made a
most useful contribution to the Government by
the establishment of the Inter-Collegiate Intelli-
gence Bureau which included in its membership
every important University and College in the
United States. This Bureau supplied College
graduates with specialized training wherever the
Government needed them, and after a successful
existence of a year was taken over by the War
Department.

A course in Military Science and Tactics was
established in 1917 under the direction of Major
Charles T. Griffith, U.S.A., and a Reserve Officers'
Training Camp established at the University.
This was followed in 1918 by the arrangement
with the Government similar to that established at
other Colleges and Universities which converted
the University into a military institution, forming
a Students' Army Training Corps. Under this
arrangement all students in the draft age of 1 8 or
over were inducted into the United States Army
subject to call. Major Griffith became the Com-
mandant and students were housed in Dormito-
ries and Fraternities with a mess hall provided by
leasing a building owned by Croft and Allen on
Woodland Avenue near Thirty-second Street. A

233

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Naval Unit was established under the command

of Captain Harrison Bispham, U.S.N.

The record of the sons of the University in

the Great War, compiled and verified by The

General Alumni Society, up to University Day,

February 22nd, 1919, follows:

This will of course be considerably added to

as it becomes possible to reach more men and learn

of their record.

In the United States Army 5198

The Navy 702

Auxiliary Service 590

IN THE ARMIES OF OUR ALLIES

England 37

Australia and New Zealand 18

Canada 13

France 36

6594

Students Army Training Corps. . . . 2287
Naval Unit 450

2737
The dead 176

Wounded 86

Decorated 75

Prisoners 9

The highest rank was obtained by Brigadier
Generals Henry Davis Todd, Jr., '86 and Charles

234

TO THE NATION

S. Blakely, '02, and Rear-Admiral Edward R. Stitt,
'89M, in the American service, and Major General
Sir Henry W. Thornton, K. B. E., '94, in the Royal
Engineers of the British Army.

These are the men who gave their lives:

Raymond Charles Hummell, '15.
Herbert H. Hunter, '07 D.
Edwin Austin Abbey, 2nd, '12.
Hew Dalrymple, '14 D,
Robert Brinton Hill, '14.
Harold St. George Taylor, 'i6T.
Arthur Howell Wilson, '15 C.
Frederick Neel Henderson, '03 M.
Robert Harold Heath, '10 D.
Franklin A. Dick, '04 C.
Phinehas Prouty Chrystie, '15 L.
Henry Clement Welker, '06 M.
Eldred Leslie Fraser, '13 D.
George Durfree Deshon, '93 M.
Frederick David Clair, '15 M.
John Henry Andres, 'n M.
Clarence D. Bradley, '07 M.
Thomas B. W. Fales, '05.
William Deetjen, '17.
Richard Foulke Day, '15.
Richard Stockton Bullitt, '18.
Reginald Black, '07 D.

Gail Hamilton Alexander, '17 M.

235

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Howard Clifton McCall, '13.
Thomas Massey, '19.
John Lawrence Layton, '16.
Arthur W. LaFlamme, '12.
Joseph E. Hoopes, '17.
Henry Howard Houston, 2nd, '16.
John Ralston Graham, '15.
Edward Benjamin Goward, '16.
Thomas M. Golden, '16 Ev.
James Francis Feeley, '09.
Harry S. Ross, '18.
Edward Glenn Royce, '08.
Albert Charles Roberts, '09.
Rufus Ford Montgall, '10.
Thomas Roberts Reath, '19.
Robert B. Woodbury, '12.
David M. Vogt, '03 M.
Ivar E. Tinnerholm, '19 D.
MortLrer Sanderson, '09 D.
Hal Brougham Chapman, '15.
William H. Mulvihill, '16 L.
Ward W. Pierson, '08.
KirkW. Machette, '16.
Joseph Addison Abrams, '07.
Albert Lewis Thompson, '06.
Paul J. Sykes, '18 L.
Thomas Graham Hirst, '15.
Knox B. Birney, '13.
Frank R. Walker, '19.

236

TO THE NATION

Charles T. Evans, Jr., '15.
Theodore W. Gerhardy, '20.
Paris Townsend Carlisle, '15.
Joseph Harold Parsons, '16 D.
Henry D. Reichert, '12.
Ernest L. Brautigan, '07.
Harry E. McCausland, '14.
Robert Alexander Balfour, '16.
Frank Battles, '12.
William Frederick Craig, '02 M.
Philip James Davidson, '15.
Taylor Everly Walthour, '17.
William A. Freihofer, '07.
John J. Springer, '14.
Fay Mills Scott, '15.
John Stokes Baldwin, '11.
Rexford Mason Glaspey, '12.
Timothy Joseph Moran, '05.
James MacFarland, '11 M.
William A. Cortwright, '14.
Maurice McKnight Hill, '17.
William F. Guilfoyle, '05 M.
Alfred Reginald Allen, '98 M.
Benjamin Franklin Pepper, '01.
Gilbert Doolittle, '15.
Pennington H. Way, '14.
Emanuel R. Wilson, '13.
Frederick B. Prichett, '13.
Joseph F. Bellak, '11 L.

237

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Howard Schell Baker, '08.
Clarence J. Devlin, 'n.
Jamard Richard Zeckwer, 09.
Emil King, 93 M.
George Herbert Walsh, '05.
Benjamin C. Disharoon, '19.
Carl C. Glanz, '18.
William B. Black, '16.
James T. McLean, '17 L.
Van Horn D. Wolfe, '13.
Arthur T. Eissing, '18.
William Eyer Robinson, '17.
Harry B. Ingersoll, '15 L.
Henry Frank Singer, '12.
Clarence Patton Freeman, '17 L.
Nelson W. Perrine, '18.
Benjamin Lee, 2nd, '17.
J. C. Morris Small, '15*
David Rupp, 3rd, '05.
Frederich Oswin Waage, '04 M.
Maurice F. Maxwell, '10.
Alfred Brooks Lister, '15.
Samuel Hazelhurst, '12.
Augustus R. Stanley, '10.
Norton Downs, Jr., '17.
Raymond T. Turn, '17.
James A. Bonsack, Jr., '19.
Milton J. Lichty, '95 M.
Harold S. Small, 'u C.

238

TO THE NATION

Percy Byron McNally, '08 D.
Wm. Besse Kuen, JnT.
Charles Prevost McMichael, '12 L.
Edward J. Kelley, 'ioV.
Clark B. Nichol, '15.
Ernest Charles Winstone, '10 D.
Almeron Walton Shanklin, '08 L.
Ernest G. Wold, '19.
Herbert Dakin Howe, '20.
George Harold Righter, '09.
Edward Ingersoll, '06.
Frederick G. Wilmsen, '19.
William Cleveland Reese, '10 M.
Chester Fremont Willey, '20.
Clay G. Stephens, Jr., '17.
Alf Gilbert Wald, '17.
Herbert Alyea Collins, '18.
Harold Laforest Dutton, '14.
Luther L. Peck, '13 L.
Edward Glenn Henry, Jn M.
James Malcolm McKibbin, '99 M.
Frederick James Bradburn, 'oo D.
Basil L. Steel, '13 L.
Earle LeBre Hackett, '10.
Coleman Riggs Havens, 'n.
Watson Beatty Lenderman, '06.
Earlston Lilburn Hargett, '17.
Robert L. Houck, '21 M.
Isaac Amandre Chapman, '16.

239

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Hilary Baker Rex, '16.
John Jacob Fisher, '12.
Max Fisher Lehman, '12.
Lewis Gouveneur Smith, '14.
Lyster Luke Brennan, '16 L.
Albert Leonard Sporkin, '17 L.
Earnest Frank Hausser, '17.
Forney Linville Parker, 'n.
Lawrence Charles Crockett, '09 D.
Abram K. Street, '19 Ev.
Allan Irving Huckins, '09, '12 L.
Raymond Oscar Ludwick, '20.
Lauren S. Eckels, '06, '09 M.
Milton O. Fox, '20.
Warden McLean, '16 Ev.
Frank Dolan, '14 Ev.
Merle Chesterfield Reed, '17.
George Washington Sassaman, '19.
Robert H. Pollock.
Paul E. Fleisher, '17.
Alfred Wanner Satterthwaite, '13.
Clinton Van Pelt Newbold, '15.
Jesse Warren Guise, 'n.
Karl Brooks Crawford, JI9M.
Malcolm McNaughton Metcalf, *2oM.
Ricardo Jorge Hernandez, ?2oD.
Francis Philip Croke, '
Edwin Marcus Smith, '
Thomas Weber Laird, '20 D.

240

TO THE NATION

Nelson DeWitt Willson, '20.

John Weaver Luther, 'o8M.

Jacob Zaun, 3rd, '17.

Samuel Harold Boyd, '10, 'i3M.

Wilbur Conrad Kreamer, Ji6V.

Harold Holcomb Kirk, '17.

William Hoyl, '18.

Earle Schuyler Barker, '13.

CHAPTER VIII
THE ALUMNI

THE Founder of this University was one
of the most fruitful advocates of union.
He led in the formation of the union
of the Colonies and he united many
groups of people in useful endeavors. He is perhaps
the greatest founder of useful organizations the
world has known. Loyal association in a common
purpose, fellowship, helpfulness and service are all
emblems of Franklin's spirit. The next step is
organization, which is the beginning of effective-
ness. We have seen how the seizure of the College
by the State in 1779 destroyed a true College, and
took away its tone, traditions and spirit. For a
hundred years the University suffered from this
blow. Until 1830 the University averaged twelve
graduates a year from its College department, and
sometimes went down as low as three. During
this period Yale and Harvard were graduating an
average of forty men each year. The only depart-
ment that kept the University of Pennsylvania
prominent until near 1900 was the Medical School.
This predominance of our professional schools until
the last decade and this late development of our
undergraduate departments makes our problem
different from that of other Universities whose

242

THE ALUMNI

development has been exactly the reverse and
whose alumni organization is founded entirely
upon graduates of the College and thus not so
complex as ours. Most of our alumni outside of
Philadelphia are graduates of our professional
schools. Many of them owe their first allegiance to
another College and many came to Pennsylvania
purely as a business proposition.

Owing to these facts and the importance of
several departments at Pennsylvania, alumni
organization was in a rather chaotic condition
until recent years. The graduates of each depart-
ment have been associated for many years. Indeed
the alumni of the College have been orga5nized
since 1836 when Thomas I. Wharton made them a
formal address. The Schools of Medicine and Law,
established respectively in 1765 and 1790, being
the first on this continent, naturally attracted a
large number of men who after graduation were
attached to their particular department.

Recognizing the necessity for a strong central
body for real service to the growing University
and a wider responsibility among the graduates,
Provost Pepper established the Central Committee
of the Alumni in 1881 by statute of the University.
This committee consisted of thirty members, six
elected annually by graduates who were required
to cast their ballot in person on Commencement
Day. The committee was given the privilege of

243

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

nominating for every third vacancy in the Board
of Trustees of the University and was required,
through committees, to visit annually the insti-
tution and report to the Trustees.

As all these Alumni bodies were without the
facilities or organization for real, continuous ser-
vice among what had become a great National
group of men, Dr. Pepper took another step in
1895 when he founded The General Alumni Society
and the graduate magazine," The Alumni Register."
It was his hope that this general body would
attract the alumni to a united zeal in the Univer-
sity's service and that equipped by them it could
undertake the wide service necessary and so lift a
burden of detail, expense and administration from
the University. Unfortunately he died before the
Society got a fair start and although there were
several efforts toward centralization from 1895 on,
none of them made much progress until Provost
Smith brought the alumni of the University
together in 1911, loyal graduates capitalized the
Society, and so was started a united organization
equipped to do efficient work.

This alumni organization has overcome years
of apathy. It has caused Pennsylvania's many
alumni, and others, on this continent to know
and think more of the University, which it has

aimed to nationalize.

244

THE ALUMNI

The registration of students in 1911 showed a
decrease. In 1912 there were 5,323 students and
since then there has been an increase of nearly
1000 in each year up to 1917 when the Great War
came.

The Presidents of the Alumni who have suc-
ceeded Dr. Pepper are Effingham B. Morris, '75,
Samuel F. Houston, '87, Charles F. Gummey, '84,
William A. Redding, '76, Francis S. Mcllhenny,
'95, and Thomas W. Hulme, '89.

The Society has from the beginning kept full
and accurate records of the alumni and maintains
memorabilia of thousands of living and dead men,
arranged alphabetically in envelopes; a card index
of all the names and addresses of the living arranged
alphabetically, by classes, and again geographi-
cally— an invaluable equipment and service. It
has published the first catalogue of these men,
and from them raises a lot of money for the Uni-
versity. It has compiled the record of the Great
War and of former wars.

Through this Society, sons of Pennsylvania,
in seventy-five localities in the United States and
foreign countries, have been organized and made
to feel a due sense of obligation toward their Alma
Mater. They are joined in the Associated Penn-
sylvania Clubs. The Alumni Secretary has carried
her message to them and aided by the graduate
magazine keeps them in touch with the University

245

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

and its development. The Alumni Society estab-
lished and has maintained "Alumni Day" in
June and "Alumni University Day" in February,
the one a day of social activities, class reunions and
general celebration, the other a visit to the Univ-
ersity in session and a discussion of fcs intellectual
leadership with Trustees and Faculty.

The usefulness, indeed the necessity, of all
this is obvious. If the alumni organization did not
perform these services the University would have
to do so, and thus we lift from it a large burden of
expense and administration.

The chosen representatives of the alumni
manage alumni affairs and form a Board of Visitors
to the University learning at first hand of its con-
dition and needs. In April, 1916, the Trustees by
statute granted the alumni the right to choose a
Trustee for every vacancy, thus giving the alumni a
participation in the management of the University
and a consequent responsibility. William A.
Redding, '76, President of The General Alumni
Society and President of the New York Club,
was the first alumnus to be chosen a Trustee in
this way.

The Alumni Secretaries have been William
Lane Winner, '85; Ewing Jordan, '68; Lewis
Neilson, '81; Thomas Blaine Donaldson, '99;
Isaac Anderson Pennypacker, '02; and Horace
Mather Lippincott, '97.

246

THE ALUMNI

It is almost a trite statement to say that a
College man should cherish grateful remembrances
of his Alma Mater. The equipment she unsparingly
gave him, both intellectual and otherwise, fitted
him for the success he has made in after life. The
opportunities enjoyed at the University always
provide at least one association for every alumnus,
that sticks in his head and heart and causes him to
return annually for at least one function at his old
College. During the winter the class dinner is an
expected function which refreshes class associa-
tions, while the alumni dinner on the evening of
University Day in February is the occasion for a
general foregathering. In June, Alumni Day
serves to bring a man back for a more informal
visit to the University, and at other times various
affiliations, mostly of an athletic nature, draw
alumni back to familiar scenes.

These occasions, all making for fellowship,
were added to in 1915 by Alumni University Day.
It seemed that the interest of the graduates in
intellectual and educational matters should be
maintained after they left College, and this oppor-
tunity is now provided lor on February 2ist, the
day before University Day. At this time there are
no inspiriting bands, gaily costumed reunionists or
Inter-Collegiate athletic contests to divide atten-
tion. "The tumult and the shoutings" are still,
and the University is in session.

247

THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

This was an experiment of real significance
and is an opportunity for those who are seriously
interested in the intellectual leadership of the
University to show their earnestness. It is a
family council which the institution that sent us
forth invites us to hold, whether we be near or far.
The more points of view we can bring together and
the wider we can scatter an intimate knowledge of
her, the more steadily will she advance.

Two purposes of the Alumni Society are to
keep the graduates all over the country in touch
with the University and in touch with themselves.
It is by doing this in an interesting and attractive
way that a widespread and intelligent enthusiasm
is maintained for the service of the University.
Thus the "Alumni Register," which Dr. Pepper
founded in 1895 as the monthly graduate magazine,
is the principal bond of union and informant. It
has been edited by Clayton F. McMichael, '91,
Thomas B. Donaldson, '99, Cornelius Weygandt,
'91, Isaac A. Pennypacker, '02, and Horace Mather
Lippincott, '97.

The chief purpose of alumni meetings is to
hear about the University in a more direct and
interesting way than through literature, and to get
to know each other. No Alumni organization can
be strong and enthusiastic unless its members
know each other, and the only way they can know
each other is by coming together, when men of all

248

THE ALUMNI

ages and departments rub elbows in the common
bond of Pennsylvania spirit.
An English writer has said:

The idea of a University reaches far beyond a varied
supply of professional training, the prodigal granting of
degrees, the anxious encouragement of research, and the
politic performance of educational contracts. Extend the
catalogue of such activities as far as we please, we shall
discover in the end that a University is something more
than an engine of utility or a product of organization. The
essence of a University is a spirit, a principle of life and
energy and influence. And that influence must be impov-
erished and robbed of efficiency if, owing to want of means,
or want of ideas, or want of freedom, a University falls
short of the great end of its being, that of caring for the
spirit and mind of man, regardless of considerations of
utility.

EARLY PHILADELPHIA

ITS PEOPLE, LIFE AND PROGRESS

BY
HORACE MATHER LIPPINCOTT

JOINT AUTHOR WITH HAROLD DONALDSON EBERLEIN OF
"COLONIAL HOMES OF PHILADELPHIA AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD."

1 20 illustrations. Decorated cloth. Octavo.
$6.00 net.

Philadelphia originated many great and useful institu-
tions which concern the civic growth and development of
the American colonies. A pioneer, it can point to things
still extant which have the distinction of being " the oldest"
in American history. To read " Early Philadelphia " is to
embark on a voyage of discovery in which all the Colonial
scenes, its important and peculiar customs, unique sporting
life, institutions of all kinds from grave to gay, and all the
varied aspect of Colonial existence, are interpreted for us
by the author in authoritative and fascinating style.

"A reconstruction from original documents of every
description of Colonial times. The book furnishes an
important chapter in the social history of America." —
New York Times.

THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE
STAMPED BELOW

AN INITIAL FINE OF 25 CENTS

WILL BE ASSESSED FOR FAILURE TO RETURN
THIS BOOK ON THE DATE DUE. THE PENALTY
WILL INCREASE TO SO CENTS ON THE FOURTH
DAY AND TO $1.OO ON THE SEVENTH DAY
OVERDUE.

OCT 20 1936

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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY

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Full text of "The University of Pennsylvania, Franklin's college: being some account of its beginnings and development, its customs and traditions and its gifts to the nation"

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