University Daily Kansan / Wednesday, September 12, 1990
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This view shows the University of Kansas when it was one year old. In 1866, the Kansas superintendent of public instruction wrote, "It is the most beautiful school building yet erected in the State
Photo courtesy University Archive
University classes started small 124 years ago today
By Yvonne Guzman
Kenneke staff writer
Kansan staff writer
"The University of Kansas is located in Lawrence, a city of about 10,000 inhabitants situated on the banks of the Arkansas River, most of a rich and beautiful country."
So began the first University of Kansas catalog, a 17-page publication describing the policies and courses at KU.
The establishment of a university on what was then called Hogback Ridge was suggested by Amos A. Dorn from the city of Lawrence is named
"To locate a college on a hill ensures a good view and seclusion." Lawrence said at the time
But when the University opened 124 years ago today, it was as different from modern KU as the treeless, barren woods of France, as from present-day Mount Oread.
On the first day of classes, Sept. 12, 1866, the University sat alone on the
hill. Comprising a single three-story building, it sat on the site of present-day Gertrude Seellands Pearson Cement Company, the city of Lawrence to the east.
The student body of the new university consisted of 29 men and 26 women.
It was thought of as somewhat revolutionary that KU would accept women. Judge S.O. Thatcher said in his opening day speech to the students, "It may be deemed an experiment, but it is one whose result is certain. Wherever the barriers of female education have been removed, good, and not evil, has been the result."
The three faculty members, however, had their work cut out for them. Although the University catalog boasted three courses of study, all 55 students were enrolled in the preparation program. They did not have high school diplomas.
T tuition was $10 a session for those in the preparatory course. Later, when students were accepted into the college and science courses, tuition was still free, but no residence halls, but students could live with a family for $4 a week
p. m. so students could have time for leisure.
The first chancellor of the University was R.W. Oliver, a local Episcopal rector. His salary was $500 a year.
But Oliver left KU before the University's second year ended, and John Fraser took over his position in December 1876. By that time, the university already was showing signs of progress. Its student body had nearly doubled, and two students already were at the college level
In 1873, the first students graduated from KU, and in 1884 Chemistry Hall was built.
University Archives provided information for this story.
Members of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity pose in March 1880. Four of these men later joined the faculty.
Photo courtesy University Archive
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K. U.
DEMOCRATS
SECOND MEETING OF THE YEAR
Wednesday, September 12 8:00 p.m. Alderson Auditorium
Have "You"
Had Your
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TWOLOCATIONS:
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Jerry Nossaman D.D.S.
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THE VERMONT STREET STATION
831 VERMONT
LAWRENCE, KS 66044
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A FRATERNITY?
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