HomeMy WebLinkAbout03 PHMIH May 07
Project HOLD Newsletter Vol. III. May 2007 An A. & M. College Olio by Anne Boykin, Project HOLD Staff T he following excerpts from Texas newspapers and publications concern the early
days of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. They have been compiled by Bill Page, Evans Library staff, who graciously shares them with Project HOLD. The photographs are
all from our new collaboration with Cushing Memorial Library Historic Images Collection. The collection can be viewed online. Follow their link on the Project HOLD home page (http://HOLD.cstx.
gov). ~1871~ The following is a rather elaborate description of the terrain being considered for the future site of the college. “Some two thousand acres are prairie and the remainder
wooded, chiefl y post-oak land. Along the ravines and valleys, elm, hackberry, persimmon, water and pin-oak and grape grow. The soil is all good, some excellent, of the quality known
as ‘black sandy prairie,’ with post-oak ‘openings’, partly of like quality, but more sandy. On the Rector farm about thirty acres of corn is now maturing that will yield some forty bushels
of corn per acre, without any special cultivation. The fi eld is on the highest summit and thinnest soil of the tract. The charge that it is poor land is unjust and unfounded. The whole
tract is what is called rolling land, neither level nor hilly, and no waste land on it … There are no perennial streams of water on the land, nor would it have been easy to secure such,
without a loss of some one of the great advantages possessed by this central locality. Pools, which abound in this vicinity and are easily A. & M. College of Texas Catalogue, 1883-1884;
Cover art. constructed, and cisterns must supply all the water needed. A careful examination has proven that the great wish of the Commissioners may be accomplished, and the buildings
erected of stone. Two kinds are found, the white and gray sand stone, in many localities within three to ten miles, and the red sand stone or ferruginous brown sand rock, within fi ve
to fi fteen miles, and both near to the railroad. Brick has been made of pretty good quality, on the lands, within half a mile of the College site, but I am not ready to recommend it.
At about two and a half miles southeast there
is ample brick earth of the best quality ….” “Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas,” Galveston Daily News, 23 July 1871. ~1873~ Comments on construction: “We have received the
following P.S. from Mr. J. Lamour, from Bryan, Texas, viz.: We have the Agricultural and Mechanical College all nicely started with about forty-fi ve hands at work making brick, laying
foundations and (unless blockaded by railroad) will have eighty hands at work in less than two weeks … Austin Daily Journal, 20 September 1873.~1874~ “It is mostly a black loamy prairie.
Though the college is not located near any running stream, water is easily obtained at a depth of thirty or forty feet below the surface of the earth. The wells are very profuse in their
supply of water. It is therefore very reasonable to suppose that with an artesian well of proper depth a suffi cient quantity of water could be easily obtained for every purpose which
might be required.” “The Agricultural College at Bryan,” (Austin) Daily Democratic Statesman, 17 February 1874, p.2, col.1. ~1878~ “The complaint most current and most fl ippantly used
against this college is, that we have no agricultural or mechanical departments … Struggling, however, to meet every demand, we have planted 1000 apple trees, a number of peach and forest
trees, and are now attempting to make a garden ….” Gathright, Thos. S., “The State College,” Galveston Daily News, 29 Morning News, 4 February 1886, p.1. ~1891~ Bryan, Tex., Dec. 12
… The artesian well at the agricultural and mechanical college is progressing very satisfactorily. A great quantity of water has been reached, so that it now rises to within 100 feet
of the top of the well. The water is heavily impregnated with oil. It time when the well will be fl owing. Galveston Daily News, 13 December 1891, p.13, col.3 ~1894~ College Station,
Tex., April 28 … A terrifi c hail storm passed over College last Tuesday. Some of the stones weighed more than a pound. No damage, as the stones fell very scattering. Galveston Daily
News, 30 April April 1894, p.5. ~1895~ 1895: February – “… a massive snowball fi ght took place on the A&M College campus in February 1895. A heavy snowfall had occurred, always an unusual
event in Brazos County, and the college cadets engaged in a huge snowball fi ght. At one point in the fi ght the students mounted a sustained attack against Gathright Hall, and during
the struggle the stairway and galleries “were much battered.’ The next day, there were sixty-one names on the sick list at the College.” (See: Burgess, Austin E., A Local History of
Texas A.& M. College, 1915, p.14, as described in Brazos County History – Rich Past, Bright Future, p.350) ~1899~ “To give some idea of how much the school has improved since August
1878, p.4, col.4. ~1879~ “One thousand apple trees have been put out, and most of them are in good condition, and ornamental trees and shrubs to beautify the grounds have also been set
…” “Report of the Outgoing Directors at the January Session of the [Texas A&M] Board, 1879,” in Texas Senate Journal, 16th Legislature, 1879, pp.205-208. “During the present year experiments
were had in wheat, oats and corn. The severe drouth in the early spring prevented the growth of small grain. Composts have been made, a large garden cultivated and four hundred trees
set out on the grounds.” “The Agricultural and Mechanical College,” Galveston Daily News, 4 July 1879, p.2. ~1886~ … During the very cold weather in the middle of January Mr. Spinelli,
while playing on a frozen pond near the college in company with several of his comrades, broke through the ice. The others immediately went to their rooms and changed their clothing;
he alone remained at the pond with his wet garments on ….” “Mr. Spinelli’s Death,” Dallas c 1898 -2-Project HOLD Moment in History, May 2007
its foundation … I will quote Judge Charles Rogan, one of the fi rst graduates of the college … He says, when he arrived at College, “The only buildings on the grounds were the Main
Building and the Mess Hall. The campus extended from the Main Building to the Brazos river. Sage grass and broom weeds took the place of lawns, walks, drives, shrubs and ornamental trees.
There was no enclosure to turn trespassing stock or jack-rabbit hunter …” “New Features,” Battalion, Sept./Nov. 1899, p.23. their large bowl-shaped leaves, give is some picturesqueness.
There are trees enough for shade in case we care to picnic here, and the tank water is cool and fresh, for it is fed by springs. In the woods below the tank White’s Creek runs into deep
canyons, wild enough, especially at night, on a coon hunt when you may seen them by the light of a tall moss-covered tree, afl ame to its tip … Should you leave the campus by either
of the side gates opening onto the Long-Lane-That-Has-No-Turning, north of the to the ‘bottoms’ for ferns and cardinal fl owers … The walk down the other railroad is more varied, because
it cuts newly across fi elds and woods, and is fi lled in with gravel brought from the bottom, full of pebbles, fossil shells, and seeds of weeds that do not naturally grow here – prickly
poppies and verenas and a host of spreading, lace-like things that make beautiful patterns on the bare clay. Turning off from the railroad just this side of the fi rst trestle, you fi
nd a footpath through the woods, skirting the College pasture for about a mile; and here are wild violets and lichens and fungi in quantities. The path goes to the head of the ravine
called White’s Creek, and on, past several Negro cabins, to the Fish-Tank. This is a fairly large pond, by comparison with the ordinary pasture tanks about here. It is kept up by a club
of sportsmen in Bryan, who usually have a boat or two on it. It is a good swimming pool, for the water is not dangerously deep, though very cold below the surface. The bottom is a stiff
white clay. Reeds at one end and youquapin lilies, with ~1902~ Claude Boyett, son of Mr. W.C. Boyett, of College Station, was bitten on the arm at the wrist by a ground rattlesnake Tuesday
night. He was attended by Dr. Raysor and reported getting along all right yesterday. Bryan Morning Eagle, 14 August 1902, p.3 ~1903~ “… This is a monotonous rolling prairie country,
with postoak barrens to vary it … The Campus itself is as pretty a bit of ‘fl ower prairie’ as you will fi nd anywhere about. We all know how gorgeous it is from February until June
or later, with its carpet of changing colors – red, yellow, white, violet, and rose. Nowhere will you fi nd more plentiful or in richer color, anemones, buttercups, gromwells, “Indian
blankets,” and primroses. But you must go to the woods for violets and saxifrage, and to sandy woods and fi elds for ‘blue bonnets,’ and College grounds you will fi nd that a short walk
across one of the fi elds behind the butcher’s cottage, will bring you to a very pretty bit of woods, with large oaks and elms, mossy banks of a small stream, tangles of vines, and open
glades. Here is the place for wood-violets – two kinds of them. Follow the little stream and you will come out on the Sulphur Springs road, which bounds College property on the east.
From this road there leads off to Carter’s Creek several lanes. We follow them between fi elds and through post-oak woods for a good two miles to reach at last the prettiest woods we
shall fi nd about here – tall cottonwoods, elms and oaks, moss-hung and vine-clad; a tangle of stretchbriar and deer-vine, casino and youpon and holly, making walking rather hard; but
we don’t mind, for these woods are worth exploring. The professor of botany will tell you that he Project HOLD Moment in History, May. 2007 -3-Looking north from Main, Chemistry Building,
Ag building and Anumal Husbandry pavilion. No date.
fi nds their fl ora quite different from that of the Brazos Valley, and far more interesting. Here, in midsummer, the cardinal fl ower blooms; here are ferns and mosses, and sassafras.
You may follow the creek for miles, coming at last on Boyle’s Lake, an old fi shing ground. If, again, you leave the campus by the south-side gate, from the Professor’s pasture, you
fi nd yourself in Vannay’s Lane. Crossing that, where the big pecan tree stands, carved all over its trunk with cadets’ names, some of them of ten or fi fteen years back, you walk through
a pasture and emerge on another lane, on the other side of which stands the Bohemian Dance Hall. This walk is a favorite one, on Saturday nights after taps. But ‘that’s another story’.”
“Walks,” (Texas A&M) Long Horn, 1903, pp.131-133. Parties in town from College yesterday reported a heavy wind struck that place about 5 o’clock yesterday morning and made things exceedingly
lively for a few seconds. The big wareroom near the standpipe was demolished, tin roofs injured, chimneys and fl ues blown down. The house occupied by Agent Donaldson of the I.& G.N.
was blown off the blocks. The loss will aggregate several thousand dollars. Bryan Daily Eagle, 27 February 1903, p.3 College Station, Tex., Feb.26 – After carefully investigating the
damage done to the buildings of the Agricultural and Mechanical College, it has been found that the damage is considerably more than at fi rst thought. Several roofs have been ruined
and infection is the water of an underground cistern, probably contaminated during the recent heavy rains … distilled water is now being used at the barracks and boiled water at the
mess hall ….” Typhoid at College; Total Twenty-Five Cases,” Dallas Morning News, 25 May 1907, p.9. “The authorities of the college have taken time by the forelock and are now preparing
to obvithe sheet iron storehouse was torn to pieces. The local damage will amount to something like $7,000, if the property is repaired. Dallas Morning News, 27 February 1903, p.9. ~1904~
The snow, snow, which was the heaviest for several years and fairly covered the ground, disappeared rapidly under the infl uence c. 1900-1910. of fair weather and sunshine. There was
some “snowballing” here but not as much as usual. At College the boys made it lively for anybody appearing on the grounds. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 4 February 1904, p.5, col.1 “This, the
fi rst day of the Agricultural and Mechanical College commencement, has been one of varied sunshine and shadows. The weather was perfect during the morning, but about 5:30 o’clock a
heavy wind and rainstorm came up and cut short the open-air concert being given by the college band.” “At College Station,” Dallas Morning News, 6 June 1904, p.9. ~1907~ “The semester
was ended early because of the outbreak; “it is believed that the source of ate the necessity of fi ghting mosquitoes next spring. All possible breeding places have been done away with
and the outlet of the sewer is now being made perfectly sanitary …” “A. and M. College of Texas,” Houston Daily Post, 10 November 1907, p.35. College Station, Tex., Nov. 11 – A fl urry
of snow fell here this afternoon at 5 o’clock. It is sleeting heavily. Dallas Morning News, 12 November 1907, p.2. “A 10,000 gallon cistern has been removed from the mess hall and placed
near the new well. The water from this cistern is pumped from the fl ow well and is distributed to the barracks for drinking purposes by a special system of pipes.” “College Station
Events,” Dallas -4-Project HOLD Moment in History, May 2007
Morning News, 17 November 1907, p.3. “President Harrington announces that the new well for the college has been completed. It is 350 feet deep. For 178 feet it is cased with six-inch
casing, the remaining distance with four inch casing. The water is of a good quality and the amount much greater than is necessary for drinking purposes.” “College Station Affairs,”
Dallas Morning News, 24 November 1907, p.32. ~1908~ The home of Prof. Fermier of College was struck by lightning during the storm Wednesday night. The chimneys were knocked off, stoves
in the house disturbed, and other slight damage. But fortunately, no one was injured. Bryan Morning Eagle, 15 May 1908, p.3, col.2. “Directors Green, McInnes, Milner and Poteet in counsel
with President Harrington decided today to provide a huge pool for water sports at the A. and M. College. They will throw a dam across a ravine that runs past the college, distant a
half mile, and will impound water enough to make a pool half a mile long, straight away, 50 to 100 feet wide and from 10 to 20 feet deep. They ordered a survey today and expect a report
at the August meeting of the board orpus Christi. It is their purpose to have the pool ready for use late this year. They will stock it with fi sh and afford the college boys a new and
healthy outlet for some of that surplus physical energy that has heretofore been worked off in melodramatic rebellion.” “Plans for A.& and so far they have withstood the cold spell which
struck the State very recently. Mr. Thompsen has charge of walks at the college, and has recently been putting in new graveled places for the convenience of the student body. Dallas
Morning News, 2 January 1910, p.27. College Station, Tex., Feb. 24 – The sophomore class of the A. and M. College Wednesday planted its class tree on the college campus. The tree planting
by the various classes of the college was inaugurated this year. The senior class proposed and planted its tree, and the plan is for the seniors, juniors and sophomores to each a plant
a tree this year and hereafter the tree will be planted each year by the sophomores. Next Saturday the juniors will plant their tree. At the exercises this afternoon Cesar Hohn, president
of the sophomores, led a procession of his class to the spot where the tree was ready. The student band accompanied the class and played during the exercises. There was an address by
President Hohn, the band played, then the committee on tree planting set the tree. The class marched around the spot and each member deposited some earth at the roots of the tree. The
address of the occasion was delivered by James Hays Quarles, librarian of the college, who is in his second year as an offi cer of the college, and who has been elected an honorary member
of the class. There was a large attendance. Dallas Morning News, 25 February 1910, p.14 Section Foreman Hewett of M. College,” (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 16 July 1908, p.2, col.1. ~1909~
“Prof. C.H. Alvord of the Agricultural Department is now using a herd of goats to clean up the college lands. There is much of the 2,416 acres of college land in Brazos County that has
had timber on it. Gradually this timber has been cleared off, but there is a growth of grass of various kinds, small shrubs, etc., and the goats are grazing on this land to clean it
thoroughly … The goats eat clean. Where they graze there is not a sprig or a growth left.” “A. & M. College News,” Dallas Morning News, 24 January 1909, p.12. ~1910~ College Station,
Tex. … August Thompsen, fl orist at the Agric. 1912 cultural and Mechanical College of Texas, has within the last few weeks put out about 300 trees on the college campus. These are oaks
and they have been so distributed as to beautify the grounds. The trees were transplanted from the woods near by, Project HOLD Moment in History, May. 2007 -5-
near College Station, lost a fi ne Jersey heifer today from hydrophobia. She was attacked during the morning and tore down several fences and fi nally became so violent that she had
to be shot. She was a fi ne animal and the loss is quite heavy. Bryan Daily Eagle, 4 August 1910, p.3 The Eagle received by mail this morning from Mr. R.R. Royall of Union Hill an ear
of pop corn that had been popped by the heat of the sun, on the stalk. It was grown by Ab Carson and nearly every grain on the ear was popped when found. Bryan Daily Eagle, 30 August
1910, p.1 ~1911~ “With a crash that was heard all over the campus, the storage tank at the steam plant of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas collapsed last night … There
are two deep wells at the college. One of these is heavily impregnated with sulphur, and while it is not distasteful for drinking, some people do not like it. This well is pumped into
the big standpipe. The other well has no sulphur taste or smell, and the water from it has been pumped into a large galvanized tank and distributed from there to the mess hall for the
use of the students …” “A.& M. Campus Flooded,” Dallas Morning News, 11 April 1911, p.10. ~1912~ College Station, Tex., Jan. 12 – Offi cial records here are that the temperature dropped
from 75 yesterday to 11 above zero today. The Agricultural and Mechanical College is situated on the crest of a wide divide and the strong north wind had a clear sweep and it was keenly
felt. The students are comfortable, however, as fuel is plentiful and there is no restriction upon its use. Dallas Morning News, 13 January 1912, p.11. A.A. Snell, manager of the Bryan
Gas & Oil Company, which concern is drilling for a scarcity of water. Bryan Daily Eagle, 21 September 1912, p.1 ~1916~ The Eagle was informed by phone today by John Tauber of near College,
that the tailor shop of John Konecny, his sonin-law, at the entrance to the College campus, was struck by lightning during the rain early this morning. Mr. Konecny was in the shop at
the time, and while badly shocked, was not seriously injured. He was sitting at his sewing machine and the needle on same was melted and a lamp near him was broken, but, outside of that,
but little damage was done. It was a close call for Mr. Konecny, and an experience he will no doubt remember as long as he lives. Bryan Weekly Eagle, 4 May 1916, p.1, col. 3. ~1921~
College Station, Texas, May 10 – A large temporary frame building housing about $15,000 worth of farm machinery used in the instruction of agricultural students at the A. & M. College
was destroyed and the machinery damaged to the extent of $500 by a swift rainstorm that accompanied a heavy rain here yesterday afternoon at about 5 o’clock. The wind lifted the roof
of about 9,000 square feet area and with it clinging in its original form with gables attached, raised it to a height of forty or fi fty feet, passed it over the top of another building
of about that height situated about 200 feet south and transported it a distance of another 1,000 feet, where it struck a brick building and was shattered. After the roof was lifted
the walls of the -6-Project HOLD Moment in History, May 2007oil two miles south of College Station, was in the city today, and in talking of his wells said that in well No.1 hot water
in an inexhaustible supply had been struck at a depth of 1500 feet. In commenting on water conditions in Bryan, Mr. Snell remarked that he did not see why a deep well might not be drilled
in Bryan and that there were fi ne indications of securing hot water, in which case Bryan might enjoy the same advantages as Marlin in this line. At any rate, it could secure a suffi
cient quantity of water to sprinkle the streets and avoid other inconveniences caused by c. 1902
structure collapsed and lumber and machinery wrecked together. Dallas Morning News, 11 May 1921, p.5 ~1922~ Bryan, Texas, Feb. 9 – Brazos County has organized a Forestry Association
to make a demonstration on farms at city homes of tree planting, and the following general committee has been appointed: Miss Dora Wilson of the Bryan Reading Club, Mrs. J. Webb Howell
of the Bryan Woman’s Club, Mrs. S.C. Williams of the Parent-Teacher Association, City Manager E.E. McAdams, Representative Lee J. Rountree and County Agent C.L. Beason. It was agreed
that a movement would be started at once to plant trees along the paved highway from College Station to Bryan, a distance of fi ve miles, where the Bryan Country club and many of the
fi nest residences in Brazos County are located. Major W.R. Cavitt was chairman of the meeting and C.L. Beason, secretary. Dallas Morning News, 10 February 1922, p.5. ~1923~ College
Station, Texas, July 19 – The contract for a new water well at the A.& M. College of Texas has been let to Layne & Bowler of Houston. Funds for sinking this well were allowed by the
Legislature in the emergency appropriation bill which was recently passed. The contract provides for a well with a minimum capacity of 420,000 gallons every twenty-four hours. When this
well is completed it is believed there will be an adequate supply of water to meets its need for several years. Dallas Morning News, 20 July 1923, p.17. Given a topic, Bill Page can
dig up historic references faster than you can read them. He grew up in Burkburnett, near Wichita Falls, in north Texas and came to Texas A&M in the 1970s. He graduated with a degree
in Psychology and a minor in Sociology – which perhaps explains his fascination with social history – how our ancestors lived and why they made the choices they did. Technically, Bill
says that he is “not a librarian – my job title is library program coordinator”. He works in the Evans Reference Department. “I take it as a personal challenge when someone tells me
their ancestors weren’t anyone special – I truly believe that every single person’s story deserves to be told.” Bill is a past president and current member of the Brazos Genealogical
Association, a member of the Texas Research Ramblers, and has served on the of the Brazos County Historical Commission for the last ten years. Bill has published many articles in print
or electronic form concerning genealogy and local history. He aided in the research of the Brazos County history published in 1986 during the Texas Sesquicentennial. The culminating
book, “Brazos County History, Rich Past --Bright Project HOLD Moment in History, May. 2007 -7-Future”, edited by Glenna Fourman Brundidge, is considered to be one of the best references
we have on local history. It was through his participation in the Texas Sesquicentennial and later in the “Celebrate Bryan” events in 1996 that Bill became acquainted with Mrs. Mell
Pruitt. Their subsequent friendship led to his involvement with the Brazos Valley African American Museum. He has served as secretary for the African American National Heritage Society
of Bryan, since its organization in 1999. His extensive research in documenting local African-American history is invaluable. Bill has been doing genealogical research on his own family
for over 30 years -and says he still learns something new about his ancestors nearly every week. When asked about his fascination with history, Bill said, “I guess you could say I believe
in the gospel of local history -it tells us more than where we came from and how we got here. It adds a rich texture to our daily lives, allowing us to see people, places and events
as part of a rich interwoven tapestry, with everyone and everything being part of a single whole.” Our fi les in Project HOLD are far richer because of Bill Page and his lifelong dedication
to our history. c. 1895
What’s New in Project HOLD? • Collaboration between the Cushing Library staff and the Project HOLD oral history team. • Recognition by the Texas State Library and the Heritage Digitization
Project. • Emily Johnson began her Project HOLD internship May 31. • Over 20 years of the “Brazos Genealogist” newsletter, a quarterly publication of the Brazos Genealogical Association
(www.brazos genealogy.org) are now in Project HOLD under Community Organizations and History Collections. • The Texas Research Ramblers Genealogical Society have linked their website
to Project HOLD and vice versa. (texasresearchramblers.org) • Oral history team member, Mary Hamlin, has recently completed interviews with the Salazar/Hernandez family, Mary Bolton
Eckles, and Sarah June Goode. • Exploring History Lunch Lectures are available for viewing on CSTV Channel 19 and the City website (www.cstx.gov). If you have materials to add to the
Project HOLD fi les Anne Boykin, aboykin@cstx.gov or 979.764.3491. -8-Project HOLD Historic Online Library Database http://HOLD.cstx.gov Sponsored by: Historic Preservation Committee
Moment in History Newsletter Edited by Anne Boykin aboykin@cstx.gov 979.764.3491 Visit us at City Hall 1101 Texas Avenue . . .and bring your memories! City of College Station P.O. Box
9960 College Station, TX 77842 NOW SHOWING! COACH JEROME R. DELLEY, JR. & THE LINCOLN PANTHERS FOOTBALL TEAM 1949-1965 A Project HOLD Exhibit College Station Conference Center 1300 George
Bush Dr. College Station, Texas COMING SOON! SCENES OF THE 60s A Project HOLD Exhibit Opening in July 2007 College Station Conference Center If you have items to share for this exhibit,
please contact the Project HOLD offi ce at 979.764.3491 TransTexas Airways fl ight at Easterwood Airport, 1963. Coach Delley at Conference Center exhibit, 2007. Photo by Butch Ireland,
The Eagle. Reunion News A&M Consolidated High School Class of 1967 in honor of their 40 Year Reunion is hosting Imagine -A 60s Decade Reunion July 20-22, 2007 College Station Conference
Center 1300 George Bush Drive Friday Night -Individual Classes host their own get togethers. Saturday Afternoon -The Historic Preservation Committee will be on hand at the Conference
Center to scan your memorabilia, photos and memories for Project HOLD. Help us pre serve the 60s! Saturday Night -Imagine, A 60s Decade Party For more information contact: Anne Boykin
at aboykin@cstx.gov Project HOLD Moment in History, May. 2007 Masthead Photos: Miss Viola Ford Toliver and Miss Jackson, 1922; Young Bill Lancaster & Little Davey, 1932; 1983 Aggie Bonfi
re; Northgate, 1948; Willie Virginia and Clay Boykin, 1954; Peggy Campbell, 1938; Bill Stasny, c. 1900.