Building Proposals for the University of Wooster, 1868
This advertisement in the Wayne County Democrat from February 13, 1868 shows the urgency to build a university, and the Trustees’ feelings that the school should be built by Wooster citizens.
Wayne County Public Library Genealogy and Public History Department
Scanned from Microfilm by Elisabeth Abell
Courtesy of the Wayne County Public Library Genealogy Department
Rights held by the Wayne County Public Library Genealogy and Public History Department
Ephraim Quinby, Jr., one of Wooster’s richest and most prominent citizens in the late 19th century. He not only led the effort to build the University, but donated the land for the new school.
Courtesy of the Wayne County Public Library Genealogy and Local History Department
Reasin Beall Stibbs was the son-in-law of Reasin Beall. He was also one of the men who lead the charge for a Christian University.
Rights held by the Wayne County Historical Society
John Kauke, one of Wooster’s prominent citizens. He was one of the leaders of a money-raising campaign to build the University of Wooster.
Paul Locher, "When Wooster Was a Whippersnapper," 58
Courtesy of the Wayne County Public Library Genealogy and Public History Department
A playful blurb from the Wooster Democrat three years after the University opened its doors indicates the town’s response to the new school.
Rights held by Wayne County Public Library Genealogy and Public History Department
Article in the Wayne County Democrat attacking the Wooster Weekly Republican for their pessimistic attitude toward the University of Wooster.
Front page of transcript of Dr. Lord's Inaugural Address
Courtesy of the College of Wooster Special Collections
Inaugural Address by Dr. Willis Lord at the opening of th University of Wooster, 1870
Front Page of President Lord's Inaugural Address, 1870
Front page of a pamphlet recording President Lord's Inaugural Address.
"Let the Tree of Knowledge be just as accessible as God has made the Tree of Life."
Part of Dr. Lord's speech when he reveals that the University "shall be open to students of both the sexes."
Inaugural Address by Dr. Willis Lord at the opening of the University of Wooster, 1870
University of Wooster's First President, Dr. Willis Lord
Photo of Dr. Willis Lord, the University of Wooster's first president.
University of Wooster's first president, Dr. Lord
The First President of the University of Wooster, Dr. Willis Lord
First President of the University of Wooster, Dr. Willis Lord
A sketch of the original Old Main building, focusing on the awkward middle section that the townspeople nicknamed "Bitter's Bottle," because it looked so much like a pill bottle.
Rights held by the College of Wooster Special Collections
Photographic drawing of the original Old Main building from close up
Artwork depicting the original Old Main academic building on the University of Wooster's campus.
Photo taken for a "Rep. for Frick," of the original Old Main Building. Presumably, this is one of the photos that encouraged Henry Clay Frick to donate money to build a library for the new, Christian school.
Modern photo of Kauke Hall, the College of Wooster's famous landmark.
Courtesy of the College of Wooster Admissions