Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-08-08

Some Of the interments date back to the begin
ming Of this century.
In the hillside just north Of the graveyard
| is good spring.
At the extreme eastern limits Of the grounds
on a mound above the path is the old neglected
burying ground of Trinity parish. The re-
mains of Mrs. Decatur. the wife of Commodore
Decatur OF the United States navy, are still
here. The remains of most of the occupants
were removed to Holyrood cemetery. at Wis
consin avenue and 35th street, upon its estab-
lishment.
The fine university building occupies a COM
manding site on the crest of q high hill over
looking the Potomac.
MEMORIES OF THE OLD BUILDING.
The ancient appearance Of the old or rear
range of buildings, which SO strikingly con-
trssts with the new front. as well as the general
quaintness of the whole surroundings. suggests
attention.
This venerable institution Of learning was
founded as a college in February, 1885, by
Father John Carroll, afterward the first bishop
and archbishop of Baltimore. Although it was
advanced to the dignity of q university in 1915
by act Of Congress. it will probably always be
known by the original name of Georgetown
College, as fond memories cluster around its
successful past.
The old building still standing in the center
OF the south range of buildings, with its low
caves, dormer windows and large chimneys of
| a century ago. was the first building erected.
The north building was commenced in 1874, but
1t was not completed until 1903, owing to short
age OF funds. This building modelled after
ure for its day.
The first president Of the college was the Rev.
Robert Plunkett, who entered upon his duties
in October, 1871; and the first name at the head
OF the long list of pupils is that of William Gas
ton OF North Carolina, who entered November
of that year.
President George Washington visited the col
lege In 1877, and ever since it has been the Gus
tom OF the Presidents of the United States to
be at the annual commandments.
Many members of the Washington family re-
ceived their education here.
In 1896 the college passed under the control
of the Society of Jesus.
The building west of the south row was
erected in 1881.
THE OBSERVATORY.
The astronomical observatory, which Is stu
ated on hill about four hundred yards west
of the college buildings, WAS erected in 1s43.
During the civil war the greater part of the
buildings were used by the government as
barracks and hospitals the sixty-ninth New
signed to these quarters The gate houses at the
entrance to the grounds were used as guard
houses by the soldiers.
The handsome east building, commenced in
iot', 10 hot yet conPieted, although II has q
finished exterior appearance to one approach
Ing from the gate. The towers are 200 feet
high and the view from them is unsurpassed
Inc library is In the south end and contains
some $4,000 volumes, among which are many
old and curious books and precious manu-
scripts.
The interior Of the building is well worth
visit Numerous interesting relics, the &C.
cumuiation OF century, will be found in the
museum.
=, On grassy mound south Of the entrance to
the new building two cannons with history
mount guard. They were brought from Eng
land by Lord Calvert the first governor Of the
colony OF Maryland, in 1884. and, as their ap-
pearance will indicate, after checkered career
found their way here few years ago.
Many distinguished mon of national reputa-
ton we're educated at Georgetown College
As you leave its classic grounds and charm
ing surroundings you cannot but feel an ad-
miration Tor the enterprise and devotion of the
men who have built up and maintained this
powerful institution of learning, even though
the religious ideas and dogmas taught by them
be repugnant to your reason.
GEORGE SIMMONS.