Highlights on the Highway of Service

An Historical Address

Delivered by Dr. Harold W. Browning, Professor of Botany, on the occasion of the Fiftieth Anniversary Convocation,

May 23, 1942

[Mr. Chairman, your Exellency (sic.), President Woodward, ladies and gents.]

On July 2, 1862, with our country engaged in a great civil war, Abraham Lincoln, signed the Morrill Act. This gave to each state, thirty thousand acres of public lands, for each senator and representative in Congress.

The land was to be sold by the states. The proceeds arising from the sale, were to be invested, and the annual income, was to be "inviolably appropriated by each state, to the endowment, support and maintenance, of at least one college, where the leading object shall be, without excluding, other scientific or classical studies, and including military tactics, to teach such branches of learning, as are related to agriculture, and mechanic arts, in such manner, as the Legislature of the states, may respectively prescribe, in order to promote, the liberal and practical education) of the industrial classes, in the several pursuits and professions, in life.

The Rhode Island General Assembly of 1863, authorized the Governor the part of the state, to accept and receive, the land-scrip, 120, 000 acres, upon the terms and conditions, of the Morrill Act.

The Governor was also authorized, to transfer to Brown University, all the land-scrip this state received, that institution agreeing, to assume all obligations, imposed upon the state, in the Land Grant Act. Thus, in effect, Brown University became the Land Grant College of Rhode Island. Bad this not occurred, we might today, be celebrating our 75th anniversary.

In 1869, the Board of Education of Rhode Island, in a report to the General Assembly, offered a resolution, the chief feature of which, was the appropriation, by the state, of 110, 000 "for the purpose and maintenance, in connection with the agricultural department, of Brown University, of an experimental garden, or small farm, together with such buildings and apparatus, as may be necessary".

Had this resolution become a lam, Rhode Island State College might not be observing, its Fiftieth Anniversary today.

In March, 1887, Congress passed the Hatch Act, appropriating $15, 000 annually, to each state, for the purpose of establishing, an Agricultural Experiment Station, in connection with an Agricultural College, or School. Agricultural leaders of Rhode Island, seized this opportunity, to have appointed a Committee of the Legislature "to investigate and report, what action is necessary and best, to be taken by this state, that the agricultural interests of the state, may derive the greatest benefit, in carrying out the provisions" of the Hatch Act.

The result of this committee's report, was the passage of a bill in March, 1888 establishing a State Agricultural School.

These historical facts are cited, to indicate that we became an agricultural school, in order that the state might have, an agricultural experiment station. This may account for the fact, that the experiment station, met with immediate and sustained favor, while the college, resulting from the school, was held in slight esteem for many years,

A Special Committee of the Legislature, was appointed to select a sit, for the school. The Committee, after inspecting locations in several towns, selected the "Oliver Watson Farm" in the Town of South Kingstown. The farm containing, 140 acres, extended from a point now in the curve of the road I at the corner of this building, northerly and westerly, somewhat more than a mile to the Chepuxet River. Undoubtedly the natural beauty of Kingston, in spring, made its impression upon the legislative committee, but in preparation for unfavorable weather, Mr. J. G. Peckham, Master of the R. I. State Grange, induced the Town of South Kingstown to appropriate $2, 000 towards the purchase of the site. Mr. Bernon E. Helms, a public spirited citizen of Kingston, had organized a movement, whereby citizens and friends, contributed $2, 000 more. The state had to pay only $1, 000 from its Treasury, to acquire this $5, 000 farm.

In July 1888, the Board of Managers met at the Farm in Kingston, for the first time, and in Way 1889, engaged John H. Washburn as Principal of the State Agricultural School. He assumed his duties, in October 1889, and began at once to organize the school, which opened in September 1890. A few weeks earlier, Congress passed an amendment, to the Land Grant Act - known as the "New Morrill Bill" making a liberal annual appropriation in support of colleges, established under the Act of 1862.

A long controversy followed, in regard to the legal disposition I of funds under the New Morrill Act. One of the proposals, for settling this dispute, was that Brown University "adopt the Kingston school as its agricultural department, with various modifications and additions". Had this occurred, we might have long since, celebrated our 175th Anniversary.

On May 19, 1892, the name of the State Agricultural School was changed to the Rhode Island State College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts. It was a day of great rejoicing in Kingston, - a cannon now located in a corner of the quadrangle, was borrowed from a sympathetic townsman, for the celebration. Student enthusiasm, excelled the tensile strength of the cannon, as is evidenced by the present fragmented condition of "Old Ben Butler".

Dr. Washburn [being Principal of the State Agric. School] became the first president of the college.

In September 1892, the college opened , with its courses of study, in Agriculture and in Mechanics, extended to four years.

The year 1894 was an important one in the life of the new college. In May, an agreement was entered into, between the State and Brown University, whereby the Morrill Funds became available to the College. The first class of seventeen members graduated in June, with Dean Emeritus George E. Adams, having the unique distinction, of being the first graduate.

Another high light of the year was the appointment, of Captain William Wallace Wotherspoon, as the first Professor of Military Science and Tactics. His services were terminated by the Spanish War, some three years later, yet during his brief assignment, he had seen the construction of Lippitt Hall, as a drill hall, sufficient to meet the needs of the college for twenty years, and "by sparing no effort to instill into the cadets a sense of the importance of the work begun" he had established our military tradition, in which we take just pride. He gave further stimulus to our military work, by his own advancement, to Major General in 1912, and Chief of Staff in 1914.

The year 1895 promised to be one, of marked growth for the college. But, alas, the picture soon changed! On Sunday, January 27, 1895, while most of the young men and faculty were at church, College Hall (now Davis Hall) caught on fire. With wind blowing at 40 miles an hour, the building was consumed in forty-five minutes.

The institution had received a staggering blow. However, with united effort, faculty and students, set themselves to the task, of rehabilitating the college. The report of the President, bears the following testimony, "Within a week after the fire we had completed the carpenter shop; in two weeks we built the barracks, also a building for laboratory and classroom work in botany ----- all temporary buildings". Two of these buildings still stand.

The dormitory was reoccupied in October 1895. In its reconstruction, the present bell tower and chimney were added "for hygienic purposes". This tower, now ivy-covered, has long since become symbolical in the life of the college. For nearly forty years, the bell in this tower has marked the beginning, and the end, of each college day, the beginning and the end, of each class period, the times for refreshment, for study, and sleep. On countless occasions, its bell has announced victories, on the field of sport. Rugged in its appearance, and rising to a height of eighty feet, the tower symbolizes solidarity and strength. More than this, with the chimney rising above its turreted top, the tower resembles a mighty arm with a clenched fist and finger pointing upward, symbolizing the determined Rhode Island spirit, that rose out of ashes and apparent ruin I to build a greater and a finer college.

In 1896, the Land-Grant College Association! adopted the report of its Committee, on Entrance Requirements, Courses of Study and Degrees. This report emphasized, the desirability, that the degree, or degrees, awarded by the land-grant colleges, should represent work approximately uniform, in character and scope.

This action made it necessary for us, to raise our standards for admission. With many of our country high schools, not prepared to furnish candidates, with these higher requirements, and with much of rural Rhode Island without access to schools, affording the requisite preparation, as a state we were not prepared, to meet the higher standards placed upon, our Land Grant college. Therefore, upon the college was forced, the role of the secondary school. This led to the decision, to establish a two-year preparatory department, in 1898, with Marshall H. Tyler as Master. This department was continued for ten years.

At the turn of the century, the growth of the college became slower. Additions to its physical plant were made, with great difficulty, and were to be, pitifully few for a decade. The enthusiasm and support, of many influential citizens waned, and indifference was evident, on the part of many, of the agricultural leaders of the state.

Dr. Washburn, whose work had been so effective, in organizing the State Agricultural School, and who served as president of the college, for over ten years, resigned in August, 1902. His work for the college had been that of a pioneer. Among his noteworthy contributions, was the establishment of special short courses in agriculture. Among these, the six weeks Poultry School, the first to be established in this country, attracted wide attention.

Dr. Homer J. Wheeler was made Acting-President) upon the resignation of Dr. Washburn, and served for seven months. During this short period, he made a contribution, of far reaching importance, by securing a $3, 000 appropriation for student labor. This appropriation continuing for many years, helped many young men and women, to secure an education.

The shortest administration in the history of the college, was that of Kenyon L. Butterfield, which began in April, 1903, and ended in June, 1906. President Butterfield was an enthusiastic leader, distinguished by his breadth of view, and his marked administrative ability. Although his term of service, to the State of Rhode Island, lasted but three years and three months, his successor said of him, "He has builded a strong and solid foundation, [on] which may rise, a noble superstructure."

He strove to make this college of greater service, to greater numbers, and to reach more diversified interests in the state. To accomplish this, in the summer of 1903, he set up a farm demonstration, and extension service. This was so effective, that it was continued, during the fall and winter, in cooperation with, the State Board of Agriculture. It led to the organization, of an extension department in the college, in April, 1904, with Professor A. E. Stene, now retired, as Supertendent (sic) of College Extension. This was perhaps, President Butterfield's greatest contribution , to the college, and to the citizens of our state. The service, much expanded and improved, continues today, and our college program as a whole, is organized on the three cardinal points, - research, class-room instruction and extension work, as first stressed, by President Butterfield.

As he left Rhode Island, to assume the Presidency of the Massachusetts Agricultural College, the Providence Journal referred editorially, to his work, at the college as follows:- "He has dignified the institution at Kingston, increased the attendance, and raised equally, its standard and its reputation."

Undoubtedly, President Butterfield had much to do, with the selection of Dr. Howard Edwards, as his successor. The choice was a most fortunate one, for the college and the state, and resulted in an administration, that carried the college steadily forward , for nearly a quarter of a century. President Edwards' administration, being the third, occupies the center position, among the five, in the history of the college. All this is highly significant, for his administration, viewed in the perspective of time, is the very heart of both, the visible and the invisible college, of today.

Three great peaks stand out, in the administration of President Edwards, and each still reflects, the brilliancy and the beauty, of the sun that is set. The first came, at the beginning of his administration, the second is located in the middle, and the third came near the end.

In his first annual report, as President, Dr. Edwards discussed the need, of revising the academic program of the college and proposed a women's coarse, the course in Rome Economics. President Edwards' method, of providing the physical accommodations, necessary for the Home Economics course, was unique. He asked for a special appropriation, of $80, 000, with which to build, a new men's dormitory. The final paragraph of the brief, which he prepared, to accompany this request, to the legislature, reveals the great sincerity of the man, and the philosophy on which he based, his administration of our State College. For these reasons, we quote the paragraph:

"There is nothing romantic, nothing spectacular, nothing of glamour, that we can throw around our work , as described, or as proposed. It busies itself, not at all , with the exceptional classes, at either end of the social scale, among which the wealthy philanthropist, has so far found, the objects of his beneficence. It has to do, only with the everyday work, of the everyday man and woman, and is simply concerned, to put the affairs, of everyday life, into close harmony with science, morality, refinement and culture, thereby lending life, new effectiveness, dignity, and meaning. It must, therefore, look to the State - to farseeing statesmanship, of our public men - for control, guidance, and support. the people's schools, be maintained by the people. So, after all, it is best, for efficiency, for self-respect."

The appropriation, greatly reduced in amount gave us our first major building, in over ten years, and the only men's dormitory, that is now on our campus. It permitted the remodelling (sic.) of Davis Hall and its use , as a women's dormitory, which in turn, made it possible, to offer the Home Economics course) in the fall of 1909. This coarse has steadily grown, in scope, and in enrollment.

Two crests to this first peak, in the administrative range, of President Edwards, have been pointed out. There is still a third [crest] - more rugged and loftier, than the others, and for which, the others served as approaches.

In President Edwards' own words:- "An incidental, yet very important result, to be brought about, by asking for a relatively large appropriation, at the hands of the State, was to arouse the attention, of the people to the importance of utilizing, to the extent, and in the wisest manner, the educational funds, coming yearly, from the general government to the State. It is time, that the people should know, what they I are heir to, and should definitely determine, how they will utilize the inheritance. This purpose of attracting public attention, has been quite successfully accomplished. In the coarse of the year, the legislature created a commission, to take under consideration, and report, upon the function of the land-grant college, and its relation, to the educational machinery of the State."

In April, 1909, this commission, presented its report.

"It is monumental in its thoroughness, painstaking intimacy of detail, judicial attitude of mind, detached impartiality in the ascertainment, and consideration of facts, and in the unanimity and comprehensiveness its conclusions and recommendations."

Thus, President Edwards, summarized the work of this Commission, headed by the Hon. Walter E. Ranger, State Commissioner of Schools. The commission's report, not only appraised, the work of the college in all its phases; it considered, every criticism of the college; it was an endorsement, of the college, and bequeathed to It, the right to live, and to receive, more adequate, and liberal support from the state. The commission concluded its report, with fifteen specific recommendations, offered as ways or means, of increasing the value, of the college to the state.

, these recommendations, immediately adopted, was the change in name, to Rhode Island State College. Perhaps, because of his high position, as Commissioner of Education, it fell to Dr. Ranger, to phrase these recommendations. Later, as President of the Board of Managers, he gave liberally, of his time and of his energies in helping to carry out, these recommendations. We acknowledge his great services, to the college and to the state, we pay tribute to his great vision, and we honor his memory, in the name of Ranger Hall.

In his report to the Board of Managers, in 1929, the report which only Almighty God knew, was to be his last, President Edwards reviewed, each of the original recommendations, of the Commission of 1908, and gave what proved to be, his final accounting, to the citizens of this state, as to the complete, and faithful fulfillment. of these recommendations.

The second peak in the Edwards' administration, came with the world war of 1917, and is indelibly recorded, on the pages of our nation's history. It is a record, of 301 young men, who had been so thoroughly imbued, with the spirit of service they thought of country, before self. It is a record, in which President Edwards, took great personal pride, and to which he referred, in the following words: "In unmistakable language, it tells its own story, of loyalty, devotion, sacrifice, efficiency, training, and courage. The story must not be allowed, to perish. The college is poor, in physical wealth, And resources; it numbers among its friends, few of high position, large possessions, or powerful influence, but it has here, evidence of a wealth, of capable service, of high sense of duty, of heroic sacrifice, that must forever be preserved, as its most cherished tradition, and that compels, the gratitude and respect of the people of our state. Somewhere, somehow, we must preserve this story, in imperishable stone and bronze."

In June, 1922, we dedicated our war memorial, "in memory of a gallantry, devotion, and sacrifice, that has been surpassed, never and nowhere". The memorial, near the upper entrance to the campus consists of a huge granite boulder bearing a large placque (sic), on which are recorded, twenty-three names in imperishable bronze. Twenty-three oak trees "lift their leafy arms" around the boulder. In June, 1928, the Memorial Gateway, was dedicated as a part, of this War Memorial.

The final peak to which reference was made in "An Invitation to a Day of Thanksgiving, at State College". 'Written by Dr. Edwards it not only describes the reason for, the Day of Thanksgiving, but it reveals his strong spirituality, and his confidence, in a higher destiny. We quote the invitation in part:-"Three new buildings, -an engineering building, a gymnasium and armory, and a library and auditorium, have been completed, and are now at use, at the State College. These buildings are the gift, of all the people, of the State.

"It seems, therefore, peculiarly appropriate, to appoint a day and occasion, when the people, -those engaged in agriculture, commerce, industry, -the various pursuits, and professions of life – are invited to meet together, in the spirit of praise and thanksgiving, to Almighty God, who has put it into out hearts, to accomplish such things.

Accordingly, Sunday, November 25, 1925, has been appointed as a day, on which all citizens, to whom these greetings, in any way may come, are desired and invited, to meet together, at the State College in Kingston, in order to rejoice, and give thanks, for what God hath wrought, in and for our State, and for our children’s children."

One of these buildings, later remodelled (sic.), is the one we occupy at the moment. It bears the name of Edwards Hall, in memory of a great educator, to whom the state and the college, owe a debt of eternal gratitude.

Upon the death of President Edwards in April 1930, John Barlow, Dean of Science, was appointed Acting-President, and in this capacity, served the college faithfully for more than a year. Ten years later, he was again called to serve, in a similar capacity, for a more extended period.

President Raymond G. Bressler, assumed office in 1931, and brought to the college, its fourth administration. Being a man of great energy, and activity, his administration appropriately resulted, in one of phenomenal, physical growth. Having dedicated several new buildings, in the late twenties, and with a great national depression, upon us, in the early thirties, the outlook for further new buildings, was anything but hopeful. In the establishment of the Public Works Administration, President Bressler visualized the opportunity, that might be ours. With the help of many public officials, alumni, and friends, and especially through the keen interest, and untiring efforts, of Senator Theodore Francis Green, then Governor of Rhode Island, another building program the most ambitious, in the history of the college was launched in 1933. Again the people of the state gave its endorsement in referendum vote, to a program of building and expansion, for the college. In 1938, with the first lady of this land, in attendance in this auditorium, we dedicated Eleanor Roosevelt Hall -a girls' dormitory, Green Hall, -a library and administration building, Quinn Hall, -a Home Economics Building, and Meade Field, -an athletic field. A modern dairy barn, a central and enlarged heating plant, and a remodelled (sic.) and enlarged auditorium, were all included in this program. Apart from this, but of great importance, are the new campus approaches and roads, built by the state.

In addition, several modern fraternity and sorority houses, the purchase of the Peckham Farm, to permit the expansion of athletic facilities, a new athletic field-house, and concrete stands, and a new sports field for women, all bear witness, of a vigorous student growth and activity, during the last decade. With a student enrollment, that has exceeded 1200, a faculty of 1[4]5, an alumni body of 4, 000, and with a fine group of buildings and attractive grounds, the college arrives at it Fiftieth Anniversary.

Service to the state has ever been the watchword of this college. With its various academic curricula,

in the Schools of Agriculture and Home Economics, in Engineering, in Science and in Business, the college today, offers enlarged and improved opportunities, for rendering more effective service, to the state and to the nation.

Dr. Rockett, Director of Education for the State of Rhode Island, has recently said, "In spite of all the strength and power, demonstrated by its past achievements the college has hardly passed its formative stage, for it yet awaits, a higher recognition of its worth, a truer appreciation of its aims and service, a deeper sense of public responsibility for Its needs, and that generous support of the people, which, in good time, will enhance its value, many fold to the state, and make it, a fitting consummation, of free public education.''

His Excellency, Governor McGrath, in cooperation with the Budget Director, and the Legislature, has recently approved, the largest annual appropriation bill, in the history of the college. We have already begun, to receive "that generous support of the people".

The college is more than ever, conscious of its obligation to the state, -and more than ever, determined to "enhance its value many fold, to the state".

Under the able leadership, of President Woodward we look forward, in anticipation, in confidence and in hope, to make the next fifty years "a fitting consummation, of free public education". May Almighty God, in His Infinite Wisdom, guide us in activity, and sustain us in strength, to this end.