USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > New Haven > History and antiquities of New Haven, Conn. : from its earliest settlement to the present time, with biographical sketches and statistical information of the public institutions, &c., &c., 3rd ed. > Part 2
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" Jeremiah Dummer, Esq., of Boston, and the Hon. James Fitch, Esq., of Norwich, deserve to be mentioned as distinguished benefactors of the Institution. Sir Isaac Newton, Sir Richard Steele, Doctors Burnet, Woodward, Hall y, Bently Kennet, Calamy, Edwards, the Rev. Mr. Henry, and Mr. Whiston, presented their own works to the Library. Many other respectable men afterwards made similar presents
" In 1745, a new charter, drawn by the Hon. Thomas Fitch, Esq., of Norwalk, afterwards ('overnor, was given to the Trustees ; in which they were named The Presi- dent and Fellows of Yale College. This is the present charter of the Institution."-Dwight.
In 1745, the State granted a L ttery, in order to raise funds for the purpose of building another College. This College was commenced in 1750, and occupied in 1756. It was built of brick, three stories high, and 100 feet long by 40 wide, containing 32 rooms, with a cellar under the whole. A fourth story was added in 1798. It was called CONNECTICUT HALL. This building, the oldest upon the College grounds, is still standing, having survived one hundred and 13 years. now called the South Middle Col. lege.
The OLD CHAPEL was begun in 1761, and finished in 1763. The slips in the audience room faced the middle aisle. Over this was the philosophical chamber a large room where lectures were given. It originally had a spire 125 feet in height. This building has been altered, and is now called the ATHENAEUM.
In 1782 a brick DINING HALL was built in the rear of the other buildings, one story in height. It was subse- quently enlarged, and was occupied as a dining hall until 1819. It is now used as a LABORATORY, where Chemical lectures are given.
In 1793, UNION HALL, now called South College, was commenced and finished July, 1794 It contains the usual number of rooms, (32,) and each room has two lodging rooms adjoining.
In 1803-4 the LYCEUM was built. The building con- tains recitation rooms and rooms for professors. The Li-
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brary at one time was kept in this building. The first Chemical lectures were given in the rear basement.
BERKELEY HALL, the present North Middle College, dates from the same year.
In 1819 a new DINING HALL was built-two stories, with a basement for a kitchen. The Commons were aban- doned in 1843. For several years previous to this, stu- dents were permitted to board out under certain restric- tions. Since that time they have boarded in families. The building is now occupied for lecture-rooms on the principal floor, and above for the large Mineralogical Cabinet.
THE MINERALOGICAL AND GEOLOGICAL CABINET, now embraces over 30,000 specimens. The amount of funds hitherto expended upon it, mostly through the lib- erality of the friends of the College, is over $25.000. In 1853 it was refitted and re-arranged at an expense of $1500, and considerable additions of specimens have also been made. It is especially rich in minerals, and is also liberally furnished with specimens illustrating the several geological formations. There is an extensive collection of Meteorites, including the largest mass of meteoric iron in any public collection in the world.
In 1822 the present NORTH COLLEGE was built.
In 1824 the present CHAPEL was erected. It has rooms over the audience room. The library was kept in the attic until 1843.
TRUMBULL GALLERY-This building was erected in 1831, and is divided into two apartments.
The North Gallery contains the collection of original pictures by Col. Trumbull, which was arranged here in 1832 under the eye of the artist. At his death, in 1843, the pictures became the property of the College, upon the. condition that the proceeds of the exhibition should be for ever applied in aid of the education of indigent stu- dents in Yale College.
The eight Historical Pictures of scenes in the American Revolution-the originals; from which were painted by the artist, those now in the rotunda of the National Capi- tol-with portraits of many of the actors on both sides, form an unique feature of this gallery, and give it a high value.
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The South Gallery contains about sixty pictures, includ- ing portraits of many whose names are intimately con- nected with the early history of the College and of the Colony, likewise, Statuary, Medals, &c. On the ground floor is the Treasurer's office, and a Theological lecture room .* (See page 188
DIVINITY COLLEGE, occupied principally by Theo- logical students, stands near Elm-street, on a line with the other buildings, and was erected in 1835.
In 1842 the LIBRARY BUILDING was commenced, and oc- cupied the next year. The exterior is not yet completed. It is built of Portland free-stone, 151 feet in length. It contains the College Library, consisting of between 30 and 40,000 volumes, likewise the Libraries of the Li- nonian and Brothers' Societies, containing from 25 to 30,000 volumes. 'The building cost $35,000.
The GRADUATES' HALL was built in 1852, of Portland free-stone, and is 100 feetlong by 52 wide. The cost of the building was $27,000. The first floor is one large room for meetings of the graduates, and for other purposes. The Linonian and Brothers Societies occupy each splen- did rooms on the second story, which are gorgeously fur- nished. This building is on a line with the Library Building, near the north-west corner of the College grounds, and is a noble structure.
ANALYTICAL LABORATORY,-This building was built early in the present century, for a dwelling-house for President Dwight, and was occupied by him until his death, in 1817. After this, President Day occupied it until he resigned his presidency, in 1846. (See pa 190.)
A specimen of the bill of fare more than one hundred years since, we quote from President Woolsey.
" The following rations of commons voted by the Trustees in 1742 will show the state of College fare at that time. 'Ordered, that the steward shall provide the commons for the scholars as fol- lows, viz. : for breakfast, one loaf of bread for four, which shall
* The remains of Col. Trumbull and his wife are deposited in a vault beneath this buildin
LIDE
4,4
Re-drawn aud Engraved by J. W. Barber.
S. E. View of Divinity Hall of Yale College.
Yale College was originally founded for the education of young men for the ministry ; the Divinity School therefore properly dates from A. D. 1700. In 1822, it was organized as a professional department; and in 1835 the first Divinity College was erected on the College Square. The pre- sent Divinity Hall was erected in 1869; the corner stone was laid Sept. 22d of the same year. It is on the N. W. corner of Elm and College streets, in full view of the Green, having a front on College street of 195 feet. The faculty of the Theological Department consists of the President of the College and Professors of the following branches, viz: Didactic Theology, Hebrew Literature and Biblical Theology, Homilet- ics and the Pastoral Charge, Ecclesiastical History and Literature. The regular course of instruction occupies three years. Pious students of every Christian denomination, of sufficient education are admitted to the Seminary without charge for instruction, or room rent, except $5 per year for incidental expenses.
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weigh one pound. For dinner for four, one loaf of bread as afore- said, two and a half pounds of beef, veal, or mutton, or one and three-quarter pounds salt pork about twice a week in the summer time, one quart of beer, two pennyworth of sauce, [vegetables.] For supper for four, two quarts of milk and one loaf of bread, when milk can conveniently be had, and when it cannot then ap- ple-pie, which shall be made of one and three-fourth pounds dough, one quarter pound hog's fat, two ounces sugar, and half a peck apples."
In referring to olden times, the following customs or rules would be considered rather stringent at the present time. It was printed, says President Woolsey, as early as 1764, and was entitled " Freshman Laws."
. " It being the duty of the Seniors to teach Freshmen the laws, usages, and customs of the College, to this end they are empowered to order the whole Freshman class, or any particular member of it, to appear, in order to be instructed or reproved, at such time and place as they shall appoint ; when and where every Freshman shall attend, answer all proper questions, and behave decently. The Seniors, however, are not to detain a Freshman more than five minutes after study-bell, without special order from the President, Professor, or Tutor.
" The Freshmen, as well as all other undergraduates, are to be uncovered, and are forbidden to wear their hats (unless in stormy weather) in the front door-yard of the President's or Professor's house, or within ten rods of the person of the President, eight rods of the Professor, and five rods of a Tutor.
" The Freshmen are forbidden to wear their hats in College-yard, (except in stormy weather, or when they are obliged to carry some- thing in their hands,) until May vacation ; nor shall they after- wards wear them in College or Chapel.
" No Freshman shall wear a gown, or walk with a cane, or ap- pear out of his room without being completely dressed, and with his hat ; and whenever a Freshman either speaks to a superior, or is spoken to by one, he shall keep his hat off until he is bidden to put it on. A Freshman shall not play with any members of an upper class, without being asked ; nor is he permitted to use any acts of familiarity with them, even in study-time.
" In case of personal insult, a Junior may call up a Freshman and reprehend him. A Sophomore in like case must obtain leave from a Senior, and then he may discipline a Freshman, not detain- ing him more than five minutes, after which the Freshman may retire, even without being dismissed, but must retire in a respect- ful manner.
" Freshmen are obliged to perform all reasonable errands for any superior, always returning an account of the same to the per son who sent them. When called, they shall attend, and give a
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respectful answer; and when attending on their superior, they are not to depart until regularly dismissed. They are responsible for all damage done to any thing put into their hands by way of er- rand. They are not obliged to go for the undergraduates in study- time, without permission obtained from the authority ; nor are they, obliged to go for a graduate out of the yard in study-time. A Senior may take a Freshman from a Sophomore, a Bachelor from a' Junior, and a Master from a Senior. None may order a Freshman in one play-time to do an errand in another.
" When a Freshman is near a gate or door belonging to College or College yard, he shall look around and observe whether any of his superiors are coming to the same; and if any are coming with -. in three rods, he shall not enter without a signal to proceed. In passing up or down stairs, or through an entry or any other nar- row passage, if a Freshman meets a superior, he shall stop and give way, leaving the most convenient side-if on the stairs, the ban- nister side. Freshmen shall not run in College yard, or up or down stairs, or call to any one through a College window. When going into the chamber of a superior, they shall knock at the door, and shall leave it as they find it, whether open or shut. Upon entering the chamber of a superior, they shall not speak un -. til spoken to; they shall reply modestly to all questions, and per- form their messages decently and respectfully. They shall not tarry in a superior's room after they are dismissed, unless asked to sit. They shall always rise whenever a superior enters or leaves the room where they are, and not sit in his presence until permitted.
"These rules are to be observed not only about College, but everywhere else within the limits of the City of New Haven."
The following extract from President Woolsey relates to the office of the Butler and the BUTTERY formerly connected with the College :
" The classes, since 1817, when the office of butler was abolished, are probably but little aware of the meaning of that singular ap- pendage to the College, which had been in existence a hundred years. To older graduates the lower front corner room of the old Middle College in the south entry must even now suggest many amusing recollections. The butler was a graduate of recent stand- ing, and, being invested with rather delicate functions, was required to be one in whom confidence might be reposed. The chief prerogative of the butler was to have the monopoly of certain eatables, drinkables, and other articles desired by students. The Latin laws of 1748 give him leave to sell in the buttery cider, metheglin, and strong beer to the amount of not more than twelve barrels annually-which amount, as the College grew, was increased to twenty-together with loaf sugar (' saccharum rigidum,') pipes, tobacco, and such necessaries of scholars as were not furnished in the commons hall. Some of these
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necessaries were books and stationery, but certain fresh fruits also figured largely in the butler's supply. No student might buy cider or beer elsewhere. The butler, too, had the care of the bell, and was bound to wait upon the President or a Tutor and notify him of the time for prayers. He kept the book of fines, which was no small task. He distributed the bread and beer provided by the steward in the Hall into equal portions, and had the lost commons, for which privilege he paid a small annual sum. He was bound in consideration of the profits of his monopoly to provide candles at College prayers, and for a time to pay also fifty shillings into. the treasury. The more menial part of these duties he performed by his waiter."
The Faculty, to whom is intrusted the government and instruction of the students in the Academical department, consists of a President, 40 Professors, and 6 Tutors, be- sides instructors in various departments. The general management of the College is under the direction of the CORPORATION, consisting of the President, Governor, and Lieutenant-Governor of the State, ten clergymen, and six of the eldest members of the State Senate. The whole course of instruction occupies four years. In each year there are three terms or sessions. Commencement is held on the last Thursday in July in each year. There are several other departments connected with the College.
The Theological Department has several Professors, and the students occupy rooms in Divinity College free- of expense. The course of instruction occupies three. years. Students at the end of two years, after an exam- ination, if duly qualified, are licensed to preach.
The Law Department has two Professors. Lectures are given in the Law Building, on the corner of Church and Court-street.
Medical Department .- A charter for a medical institu- tion was obtained in 1813, Lectures commenced in 1814. There are now 8 Professors. The Lectures continue four months. A Medical and Surgical Clinique is held every Monday at the Hospital, where a variety of medical and surgical cases are presented.
The Medical College contains an extensive Anatomical Museum, a fabinet of Materia Medica and Specimens in In Natural History. The building is now situated on the west side of George, between Chapel and Crown streets.
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There is also the Department of Philosophy aud the Arts, including Civil Engineering.
Yale College has graduated more students than any other in the country, with the exception of Harvard. Its influence is felt throughout the length and breadtl: of our land, and, in fact, throughout the world.
When the first College building was erected, very little of the land on this square was owned by the Trustees. North of the College, fronting on College-street. were several dwelling-houses, the County. House, Jail, &c.
Until comparatively a recent period, fronting on Cha- pel-street, about six rods west of the South College, was a small building occupied as a dwelling-house and store. Next west was a dwelling-house, now removed into High- street. West of this was an old dwelling, being one of the first settlers, standing back from the street, and other buildings still standing at the west.
On the north-west corner of the College square was another old dwelling, being one of the oldest in the City, with a steep roof. the end standing towards the street. The house in front of Divinity College was occupied for about twenty years by Rev. Claudius Herrick, as a school for young ladies. It was a school of an high order, and was resorted to by scholars from all parts of the State, and by many from other States. The entire square on which the College buildings are erected is now owned by the Corporation.
The number of students on the College catalogue (1869-(%) are as follows :
Professional Students.
Theological Students, . · 35 Law Students, 18
Medical
28 Students in Phil. and Arts, 141
Undergraduates.
Seniors, Juniors,
114 106
Sophomores, Freshmen, .
L55
Total,
736. 143
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HOUSES OF PUBLIC WORSHIP IN NEW HAVEN.
The first meeting-house was commenced in 1639, and built of wood, fifty feet square. It was situated near the center of the lower green, and surmounted with a tur- ret, in which a sentinel was placed on the Sabbath, to give the alarm in case of any sudden incursions of hostile In- dians A military guard was likewise stationed in the 'house. The town owned six pieces of artillery ; three of them were placed near the meeting-house, and three at the " water side," near the landing. The congrega- tion were called together by the beat of the drum The house was not thoroughly built, and was occupied but about thirty years .*
The second house of worship was built near the same location in 1668, but not completed until some time after. This house had a pyramidal roof, upon the top of which was suspended a bell.t The person who rung the bell standing in the broad aisle beneath. As the town in- creased, the house was subsequently enlarged.
The students in the College worshipped on the Sab- bath with this Society until the old College Chapel was built, in 1763.
" In 1719, by request of the Trustees, the students of the collegiate school (Yale College) were permitted to sit in the seats of the front gallery, exclusive of the front seat, on payment of one shilling a head on entering the seats, and two shillings per annum thereafter. In 1721, five of the scholars were permitted to sit in the front seat. In 1722, a part of the gallery was set apart for twenty years to the use of the students, the Trustees of the College paying therefor £30, and keeping the win-
* For a very interesting history of the rise and progress of this Church, and many other things appertaining to the history of New Haven, see Thirteen Discourses on the Completion of the Two Hundred Years from the Beginning of the First Church in New Ha- ven, with an Appendix, by Rev. Dr. Bacon, Pastor of the First Church in New Haven : pp. 400. Published by Durrie & Peck, New Haven, 1839.
t This bell was purchased from a trading vessel in the harbor.
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dows and seats above them in repair. In 1726-7, the so- ciety had so much increased as to make it necessary to build another range of galleries above the then galleries.
" In 1728 it was voted that the constables and grand- jurors do their utmost to prevent disorder in going up and down stairs."
In those days the congregation had seats assigned them in the Church ; the males sitting on one side, and the fe- males on the other, according to their ages and rank in society.
It was customary at an early period for the congrega- tion to rise when the minister read from the Bible, or the text, " as a token of reverence for the Word of God." It will be remembered that a similar custom prevailed in our churches up to about the year 1815, viz. : when two clergymen were in the desk, the one that did not officiate arose when the other announced the text.
Up to about 1813-14 the deacons sat directly in front of the pulpit behind the communion table.
The third edifice, then called the NEW BRICK MEETING- HOUSE, was completed in 1757. It stood mostly in front of the Center Church, fronting on Temple-street. The tower or steeple projected from the noth end. The front steps encroached upon the street. There were three en- trances, one in front, one through the tower, and one at the south end. The pulpit was on the west side of the house. The stairs to the gallery were in the body of the house, in the front corners, and not inclosed. Square pews in the body of the house. This house was taken down in 1812, to be replaced by the present commodious edifice.
The CENTER CHURCH-This house was built in 1813- 14, at an expense of $34,000. The height of the spire is 196 feet. It was dedicated Dec. 27, 1814. Most of the building stands upon a part of the old burying-ground. The names of those whose monuments are beneath the Church are inscribed on marble tablets on the wall in the vestibule. The interior of the house was altered in 1842-3 The pulpit and galleries were lowered, and the walls painted in fresco. Anorgan was introduced in 1855 .*
* The three Churches on the public square were built during the
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WHITE HAVEN CHURCH .- This society commenced their worship in the dwelling house of Timothy Jones, on the north-west corner of State and Court-streets. The first house of worship built for this Society was situated on the south-east corner of Elm and Church-streets, in the year 1744. In 1764 the house was enlarged by adding to it sixteen feet on the westerly side, together with a tower or steeple sixteen feet square, which encroached upon the side-walk several feet. It was called the Blue Meeting-House .* The seats in the body of the house were square pews. The railings upon the backs and sides of these pews were elevated about six inches, and supported with small turned pillars, about three inches from each other. This manner of finishing was consid- ered ornamental. There were two central aisles, crossing each other at right angles. The pulpit was in the east end. There were seats made in the tower, back of the front gallery, for colored people. This house was taken down in 1815-16.+
THE FAIR HAVEN CHURCH .- The Fair Haven house of worship was situated near the present site of the North Church, and was built in 1772; the tower or stee- ple fronting south. The entrance was through and on each side of the tower. The pulpit was at the north end. There were slips in the center of the house, and pews adjoining the walls.
In the year 1796 this Society, which separated from White Haven Society, united with it again, and became the United Society. Afier the union the society occupied both houses alternately, one month each. In 1813, this arrangement becoming inconvenient, and both houses re-
last war with Great Britain. Commodore Hardy at that time commanded the squadron that blockaded the harbors on the Sound. Most of the timber for building these Churches was brought from Connecticut River, permission having been obtained of him for that purpose, he remarking that " he made no war with religion."
* The Blue here spoken of was Slate or Lead color-a mixture of white lead and lampblack.
t. For quite a number of years the bell in this Church was rung at 6 o'clock A. M., in summer, and 7 in winter, the bell of the Episco- pal Church at 12, M., and the bell of the Center Church at 9 o'clock in the evening.
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quiring repairs, it was wisely concluded to pull them both down, and build a new one, which resulted in the erec- tion of the present.
NORTH CHURCH .- This house was built of brick du- ring the years 1814-15, and was dedicated Dec. 20, 1815. It has a lecture-room in the rear of the gallery in the tower. The cost of the house, including the chandelier, (exclusive of the organ,) was $32,724 58.
In 1850 a recess was added to the rear of the build- ing; the exterior walls painted ; the galleries lowered ; a new pulpit of rosewood, of great beauty, exchanged for the old one of mahogany, and the interior of the house entirely remodeled, with the introduction of gas, at an expense of $10,000. The audience room is sur- passed by few, if any, in our country *
THIRD CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY .- The Church in this society was organized Septemper 6th, 1826, by 29 members from the United and First Societies. They commenced worship in the Orange Street Lecture Room until the present Chapel-street edifice was built, in 1828-9. This house was owned by stockholders, a majority of whom, in process of time, did not belong to the society.
After a few years, part of the Church and congregation vacated this house and worshipped in a separate building until they built their house of worship in Court-street, which was occupied Dec. 7, 1841; still retaining the name of the Third Congregational Society. The cost of this house, including the land, was about $15,000.+
In 1855-6 the society built 'their new edifice in Church- street, a few rods north of Chapel-street, on the site of the former mansion of the late Judge Chauncey. It is built of Portland stone, in the Norman style, with a stee- ple 206} feet in height. The house besides the audience room contains a lecture room in the rear, under the same
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