USA > Illinois > Mercer County > Past and present of Mercer County, Illinois, Volume I > Part 51
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they can, and do all the good they can. Following is the list of studies and presidents from 1892 to 1915:
1892-7: Miscellaneous and General History, Mrs. Mary Byers; 1897-9: European History, Mrs. Flora Graham; 1899-1901 : Ameri- can History and Literature, Mrs. Mellie Eames; 1901-02: Illinois- English Literature, Mrs. Letitia Boyd; 1902-03 : Shakespeare, Mrs. Letitia Boyd; 1903-04: Shakespeare, Miss Alice Sponsler; 1904-05 : Current Literature, Miss Alice Sponsler; 1905-06: Washington Irving and George Eliot, Mrs. Emma Mardock; 1906-07: Mis- cellaneous, Mrs. Lenore Finch ; 1907-08: Miscellaneous, Mrs. Fannie Stein; 1908-09: Miscellaneous, Mrs. Harriet McArthur; 1909-10: Africa and Africans, Mrs. Alice Willits; 1910-11: Italian Art and Artists, Mrs. Minnie Hollembaek; 1911-2: Bible, American Art and Artists, Mrs. Minnie Hollembaek; 1912-3: Today and a Little of Yesterday, Mrs. Minnie Carroll; 1913-4: United States and Ger- many, Mrs. Jennie Morgan; 1914-5: Illinois and Pan-American Exposition and South America, Mrs. Margaret Venable.
COUNTY FAIR OF 1914
The County Fair of 1914 was fully up to the standard of excel- lence set by those of previous years. On Thursday there were present nearly eighteen hundred automobiles; it was found necessary to park the surplus in other portions of the grounds. The new adminis- tration building reflected much credit on the society. Numerous special trains were run on the railroad to accommodate the crowds, not only here but from outside of the county, that wanted to see the fair. The paid admissions on Thursday aggregated in round numbers 15,000. The best time made on Thursday was 2:1514 in the 2:15 trot and 2:1214 in the 2:15 pace. The biplane flights of C. L. Wig- gins were witnessed by the entire population and all the visitors. He dipped, darted, spiraled, Dutch rolled, tangoed, turkey trotted, and chased a cloud up 1,500 feet. Baseball games were played in the mornings.
On Wednesday there were five starters in the 2:30 trot; the best time made was 2:2114. In the 2:11 pace for a purse of $350, the best time was 2:1234, Society Leader was winner. In the 2:25 pace there were six starters, Kellerville Kid winning, the best time being 2:1414. The horse, John Morris, won first money in the 41/2 furlong dash against a field of seven.
The swine show was one of the greatest, if not itself the greatest, of the kind ever exhibited in the county. About three hundred
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animals were shown as follows: Duroc Jerseys, 113; Poland Chinas, 81 ; Hampshires, 66; Berkshires, 23; Chester Whites, 17. It is prob- able that more fine Mercer County horses were exhibited than ever before. The Bridgford Pony Farm exhibited eleven animals this year.
The corn show was the finest and largest in the history of the fair. L. A. McCormick, who for eight years has had this exhibit in charge, pronounced the display superior to those of other years. Other competent judges declared the display to be a record maker. Mr. McCormick placed the corn crop of 1914 in his portion of the county (the northern) at 80 per cent, a showing unexpectedly good. At this fair it was apparent that alfalfa had become a staple crop in the county.
The poultry exhibit was unusually fine, varied and comprehensive. The varieties shown were never more numerous. In addition to chickens there were shown geese, ducks, turkeys and pigeons. Over one thousand birds were shown.
Central or Floral Hall had a larger number of entries than ever before; the display of textile fabrics was especially fine. The hor- ticultural exhibit was not up to the standard.
Among the conspicuous exhibits were the following: Duroc Jerseys by Bigelow & Son ; although they competed against nine herds they secured nine ribbons; B. M. Gilmore, Chester Whites; J. M. Nesbit & Son, big type Poland Chinas; J. S. Rader & Son, Cotswold sheep; Warwick Bros., Shropshire sheep; Bistline & Kistler, Shrop- shires; Kiddoo & Son, Shire horses; F. E. Sherer, Chester Whites ; F. S. Castle, hogs; J. F. Cox & Son, large type Poland Chinas; G. E. Close & Sons, Berkshire and Championship prizes in hogs; E. C. Wilson, Poland Chinas; W. E. Huffman, big type Chester Whites; S. S. Lane, Poland Chinas; R. H. Whitsitt, Chester Whites; Ira Dodson & Son; J. F. Hyett, Poland Chinas; C. H. Armstrong, Jersey cattle; Mrs. C. C. Willits, white Holland turkeys; W. N. Ralston, Partridge Wyandottes; Bowers Brothers, white Wyandottes ; Mrs. J. M. Strong, white Plymouth Rocks; Gid Jackson, Duroc Jerseys ; S. S. Lane, Poland Chinas; J. M. Bay, short horns. (The publishers were compelled to go to press before the fair had closed and thus this account is cut short.)
REMARKABLE RECORD IS MADE BY WILLIAM AND VASHTI COLLEGE
(From Rock Island Daily Argus)
A few years ago when any citizen of Aledo left the confines of Mercer county he returned with a feeling that something was lacking
WILLIAM AND VASHTI COLLEGE
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if his town had not been made the butt of some crude joke as to its location on the map, its railroad facilities or its means of communica- tion with the outside world. Those conditions are now changed and the same people who were then in the habit of twitting the people of Aledo in a friendly way are now prompt to express their admiration. for the many things that Rock Island's neighboring city has accom- plished. The city has moved to the front in every respect, but one of its accomplishments has been so notable and has attracted such atten- tion that it is worthy of more than passing notice.
For the last three or four years the people of Rock Island have heard flattering reports from the school located at Aledo, known as William and Vashti college. Attention was first attracted to the school by reason of its successes in all departments of college activity. The interest thus attracted caused the people of this section of the state to take more particular notice of the institution, and it was discovered that the citizens of Aledo and Mercer county through their enterprise, devotion and determination had in less than five years accomplished what it has taken other communities similarly situated generations to bring about. While Aledo has shown much enterprise in various lines and has now become known as one of the most progressive cities of its size in the state, its greatest accomplish- ment is what it has done for this college. Everyone is interested in a story of achievement, and The Argus presents to its readers the interesting story of the founding and establishment of this college as a portrayal of public spirit that may well be emulated.
No doubt many who have heard of this school have wondered as to the origin of its name. The school was founded by William Drury, a long time resident of Mercer county, and was named by him in his will as William and Vashti college to commemorate the memory of himself and his wife, Vashti Drury.
By the will of Mr. Drury the school was to be located in that city or town of Mercer county which would offer the largest bonus for its location. The city of Aledo, having offered more than any other locality in the county, secured the school. The purpose of Mr. Drury was to found a non-denominational school where the student could not only secure a complete classical or scientific education, but where he could also secure such practical instruction as would fit him for some particular employment.
Mr. Drury died leaving a considerable estate. By his will he provided that his wife should have the use of all of his property during her lifetime and at her death, after paying some specific be- quests it should go to the founding of this school. Mrs. Drury saw
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fit after some consideration to decline to accept the provisions of the will, and as there were no children, under the law, she was permitted to take one-half of the estate. That necessitated an immediate divi- sion of the estate and permitted the portion going to the school to be used at once.
The will provided that certain of the officials of Mercer county and of the city of Aledo should constitute the board of trustees. After reducing the estate to cash the board had a little over $100,000. It was deemed wise to invest all this money in ground, buildings and equipment, which was done. A campus of about 16 acres was acquired and the main college building, a boys' dormitory, a gym- nasium, a heating plant and residence for the president were erected. After constructing these buildings and equipping them and providing for all necessary apparatus the money in the hands of the trustees was exhausted, and the board had on its hands a thoroughly equipped plant, but was without any funds in the way of an endowment and with no means of paying expenses except by such tuition as might be paid by prospective students. The situation was not at all encourag- ing, but in September of 1908 the college was opened with Thomas J. Davis, of Indianapolis, as president. Mr. Davis, together with the board, has selected a strong faculty to work with him, and the first year witnessed the enrollment of about 200 students in all departments.
It was soon discovered that in order to sustain the standard estab- lished by the school it would be necessary to have other revenue than that furnished by the tuition alone. Under the provisions of the will of William Drury the personnel of the board changed rapidly, and for that and other reasons affecting the legal status of any gifts which might be made to the institution, it was decided to incorporate under the laws of Illinois. This was done, and a permanent board of seven representative citizens of Aledo was selected and now manages the school.
One of the first things undertaken by the new board was the rais- ing of an endowment fund. It was estimated that with an endowment of $200,000 the school could be put on a permanent footing and be assured of a perpetual existence. It was determined to start the endowment campaign by raising $100,000 in the city of Aledo and Mercer township, in which that city is located. As the city of Aledo contains something less than 2,500 inhabitants and does not boast of any men who would be rated as wealthy, it will be seen that this was a big undertaking. In the summer of 1911 a vigorous campaign was prosecuted by the board of trustees together with Dr. Frank C. English, who had then succeeded Professor Davis as the president of
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the college, and something more than $100,000 was raised, principally in the city of Aledo. Over 750 persons subscribed to this fund so that practically every family in Aledo was represented and now feels that it has a financial interest in the school. This was one of the objects sought to be obtained by the board of trustees, as it was thought that no firmer or more lasting friends could be secured for the institution than those who had contributed to this fund. The board of trustees at once inaugurated a campaign to raise the remaining $100,000 in Mercer county outside of the city of Aledo, and consider- able progress has been made toward that end.
A great deal of credit is due to President English for the success of the endowment campaign and for the fine spirit which prevails not only among those closely connected with the school but among the citizens generally of Mercer county. Dr. English was employed in the spring of 1911, coming from the city of Cincinnati, where he had been president of the Cincinnati training school. Prior to that time he was president of Moore's Hill college, Indiana. He is a graduate of Baldwin university where he took his bachelor's degree, later receiving his master's degree from Ohio Wesleyan university. He did graduate work in the University of Cincinnati and later received his degree of doctor of divinity.
Since the opening of the school the trustees have acquired a build- ing for the conservatory of music, and during the coming summer it is proposed to erect a girls' dormitory, the plans for its erection being now under way.
Carrying out the idea of Mr. Drury, in addition to the regular college course, which is equal to that found in any small college, there has been established a department of music, a business department, a department of agriculture and a normal department. In addition to these there will be instituted next year a course in domestic science.
The attendance has steadily increased since the opening of the school until now there are about 300 students enrolled in all depart- ments. A preparatory course is run in connection with the college and under the same management.
Perhaps no better conception can be given of what this school has accomplished than to use the language of Dr. Nathaniel Butler of Chicago university, when he visited the institution a little over a year ago in response to a request for recognition of the school on the part of Chicago university. After having visited the school and becoming familiar with the situation, Mr. Butler said ; "I came here expecting to find a feeble school asking for recognition as a last resort, but instead of that I have found a new, vigorous, up-to-date
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institution asking for recognition because it feels it would thus secure a larger sphere of usefulness. There is no question, at the rate it is going, but that it will continue to be recognized, because people must and will recognize that which is being done well. I will state frankly that the personnel of the student body and the character of the institu- tion is far ahead of anything I had expected to see."
Anyone who had simply heard of the institution and knew that it had begun operations as recently as 1908, and that without any endowment fund whatever, would naturally feel as Dr. Butler did before he went to Aledo, but the most casual investigation will convince anyone of the correctness of Dr. Butler's statement.
The students of the college are provided with all that goes to make college life desirable and profitable. The customary literary socie- ties flourish, a Young Men's and Young Women's Christian associa- tion, the glee club, the oratorical societies and the press club are all well attended and excite a lively interest.
The institution is justly proud of the record it has made in athletics, not only because of the victories it has won, but because of the fact that its athletics have always been conducted on the highest possible plane, and the standard of eligibility for participa- tion in athletic contests is of the highest. In order to participate in any intercollegiate contest a student must carry at least 12 hours of college work and be in good standing in all the work carried. From the first, athletics have been encouraged and the faculty has had close oversight and supervision of all the teams, one of the pro- fessors having charge of football, one of baseball and track and one of basketball. Athletic relations have been sustained with such schools as Augustana, Hedding, Lombard, Knox, Monmouth, Bradley, Illinois Wesleyan, Iowa Wesleyan, Millikin, Illinois col- lege, Shurtleff, Lake Forest, Armour institute, etc., and the showing which has been made is one in which every friend of the school may take pride. The success of the school on the athletic field is particu- larly gratifying for the reason that many of the best athletes who have represented the school have been boys who were born and raised in Mercer county, and many of them would have been unable to attend college and thus have an opportunity of participating in college athletics were it not for the fact that this school is located in Mercer county.
The athletic teams for the present year have all been strong. This is especially true of the football team which played eight games and won them all by decisive scores, thus acquiring the undisputed title of state champions. The prospect for football for the coming
BOY'S DORMITORY. WILLIAM AND VASHTI COLLEGE
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year is very encouraging. In basketball the team captured six out of ten games of the regular schedule, winning all of the games on the home floor.
The baseball team for the coming year promises to be as good as, if not better, than any in the history of the school, which con- sidering the triumphs of the teams in the past, is speaking well for it. This year the baseball team will meet such teams as Augustana, Lombard, Hedding, Bradley, Illinois Wesleyan, Millikin and Illinois.
Many individual stars have been developed in track work in the past and some unusual work is expected from among the 300 students enrolled this year. Track meets will be held this year with Augustana at Rock Island, Bradley at Peoria, and the state meet at Peoria, May 24. The athletic spirit in the college is of the best and the slogan has always been, "Honorable defeat is preferable to stolen victory."
The athletic field on the campus is well drained and has a splen- did baseball diamond and football field and a one-fifth mile track with 120-yard straightaway. The gymnasium is equipped with physical apparatus, baseball cage and a basketball floor 45x74 feet of playing space with a 22-foot ceiling. These facilities together with tennis courts afford the best there is in the way of recreation and physical exercises.
One proof of the unusual success which William and Vashti college has attained is the way in which it is regarded by the other small colleges of Illinois and adjoining states. At the time of the opening of the school in 1908, and for some time thereafter, William and Vashti was regarded by its sister colleges with indifference. No attention whatever was paid to the college and no comment was made concerning its work except to conjecture as to how long it would be able to eke out an existence. Its athletic triumphs first attracted attention and then it demonstrated its prowess along educational lines by splendid showings in competitive debates and oratorical contests. Before the school was two years old it was attracting marked atten- tion from other colleges and was being observed somewhat more critically. Now it is regarded by all of the small colleges as a real rival in every sphere of action.
STANDS EQUAL TO BEST
In 1910 Drury academy was placed on the accredited list with Illinois university; in 1911 with the North Central association of Vol. I-34
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schools and colleges; and in 1912 with Chicago university. The college department has kept pace with the academy in this particular and has received corresponding recognition. In 1911 the college was admitted to the Illinois Athletic association, and the same year to the State Federation of Colleges. Such recognition in the short space of time since the opening of the school is unprecedented and is the highest possible proof that the college and academy have taken their places among the substantial institutions of the state.
The splendid college spirit and feeling of loyalty that prevails among the student body can be attributed to a great extent to the friendly interest the people of Mercer county and of Aledo feel in the institution. It is easy to inspire a feeling of loyalty to his alma mater in the breast of the average student, and with the deep interest of every citizen of Aledo in constant evidence this feeling has become as intense as that which prevails among the students of the oldest universities and colleges.
One of the chief assets of the college and one of the things which will do more to achieve the final success of the institution than any- thing else, is the city of Aledo itself. Aledo is the county seat of Mercer county and is located in the center of one of its fine prairies. It has no large commercial industries, and none of its citizens will take offense to the statement of the fact that it is in many respects an overgrown country village. Its citizens are of the most substan .. tial and desirable type. Its merchants are up-to-date and afford the people of Aledo and the surrounding country the best trading facilities that can be found in any city of its size in the country.
Some years ago the city adopted and installed a system of sewers, and last year a local improvement was authorized which contemplates the paving of five miles of its principal streets. A part of this work was completed last season and the remainder will be completed by the month of July of this year. The business part of the city is brilliantly lighted by up-to-date electric cluster lights. The last session of congress appropriated the sum of $65,000 for the erection of a government building there, which shows that for a town of its size a considerable volume of business is being transacted. There is every assurance that within the next year a splendid new public library will be erected in the city and opened for the use of its citizens and the students of the college and public schools. Five different church denominations maintain thrifty organizations within the city, all owning valuable church property. They are the Presbyterian, Methodist Episcopal, United Presbyterian, Baptist and Catholic. There have been no saloons in the city of Aledo for more than 40
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years. The city in its makeup, environment and in the conditions existing, makes an ideal location for an educational institution.
While the people of Aledo and Mercer county are endeavoring to make this school particularly a county institution, students are wel- comed from all sections, and among the present number enrolled are boys and girls from various other states as well as from all portions of the state of Illinois. The school offers advantages equal to that of any of the small colleges of the middle west, and its surroundings are such that it would be hard to find a better place to send a boy or girl to secure that part of their education which must be secured away from home.
What the people of Aledo have done and accomplished for their college stands almost unparalleled. It is doubtful if there has ever been a community of equal size in the United States which has with such a spirit and with such unanimity among its citizens done as much for any public enterprise. An institution thus founded among such ardent friends will necessarily attain the highest degree of suc- cess, and The Argus predicts for William and Vashti college of Aledo a brilliant future.
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