Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1907-01-01
THE WILLAMETTE UNIVERSITY.
Oldest Educational Institution on the
Pacific Coast.

III ONlt NNMNh HAFE~A'H
earliest days OF the Willamette uni
yersIty, they must begin some sixty
1ve years ago, at which time 1t was
known as the Oregon institute.
In January. 1sl2. meeting at
Jason Lees house in Chemekeia
(now North salem) appointed a com
mittee TO call a public meeting 10
consider English education for white
children.
They decided TO found q schooI
that sbould grow into college. il
should be called the Oregon instl-
tute. In March prospectus. consu-
tuition and bylaws we're adopted by
the board. The constitution proyld-
cd that the institution was always TO
be under the supervision Of some
evangelical branch OF the Protestant
church. On motion OF Dr. EllJah
White II was unanimously resolved
that the institution should come un-
der the care and supervision of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
At that time this great education
nj institution was almost shrouded
by clouds OF doubt and despair.
Small was the interest In the concern,
small were the hopes as 70 It's fu'
ture, and smaller still was the fnan-
clal support II obtained. But II fell
into hands which have moulded II
into one OF the most powerful edu-
cation institutions In the west; II fell
under the direction OF mind fun OF
energy and skill. and an ambition
which was not wholly for material
gain; until today Il stands as a mark
OF progress. pluck and detcrmlna-
tlon, as well rs a wldo-felt influence
for moral and mental uplifting
throughout the entire western coun-
try.
Passing over eleven years Of It's
history, during which time II stead
fly proceeded on the road TO fame,
we now come TO the present subject
OF this sketch.
In 1853 the Willamette university
was established by an act OF the leg
islatlyo assembly OF the territory OF
Oregon. Almost every successive
year has seen new additions and bet
ter equipments. until today the Will
lametto university stands as a monu-
ment for the educational institutions
OF the Pacific coast.
Every convenience that could pos
sIbly be found In an educational In
stltution n here to be seen. both for
developing the mental and social fac
uity OF the students. The grounds
OF the university are located across
the street from the capitol building,
and comprise twenty acres Of land,
which IL laid on with excellent taste
for the pleasure and convenience OF
the students The buildings are
modern. heated with steam. lighted
with electricity aud have city water
attachments. Tho school rooms are
large, we'll ventilated and lighted
Every year has brought larger
increase OF attendance. until now
they have enrolled over SOC names
for this term. aud the graduates Of
this university have hlled aud are
now filling some OF the highest post.
tions of trust and honor
The institution embraces nine dlt
ferent courses and their branches.
comprising college OF liberal arts.
college Of oratory. college OF music,
college Of theology, college Of modi-
cine. college OF law. normal school.
Oregon institute. the academy. and
the school OF art A good gymna-
stun and atletic field are among the
many advantages offered TO the stu
dents. and a spirit OF good fellow
ship II encouraged aud retained
among the entire student body. The
corps OF teachers, professors and In
structors are among the best 10 be-
obtained IA the United States. and
Il Is the aim Of the supervising force
20 see 60 u that the Willamette uni.
verulty continues 90 merit its we'll
earned reputation.
That the efforts OF this institution
are highly appreciated by the people
OF Salem and this vicinity Is fully
demonstrated By the recent gifts
which they have received.
A $4,000 brick huildlng given by
the citizens OF Salem 20 the college
OF medicine; $4,000 building for
the college OF theology elegantly
furnished and equipped, the gift oil
hre Luella ID kimban. Wito of TIE |
Rev. Or ". d Kimball ot the Col. !
nmhia River conference. $4,000. the /
Income OF which Is 70 Dc given to /
orphans or half orphans OF the state
OF Oregon Nho are students ia hel
college OF liberal arts. the rlft Of the |
Oregon Children's Ala society! 81.
5eo, given by friend for the fun 1
md nnal payment OF an morteage In.
iohtedness ON the campus: S7lOO !
IiVen by various contributors 20 nav