| Show “72 years of free expression” Vol 73 No 1 Utah State University Logan Utah September 22 1975 Old Main stands after 85 years education classes By L Mark Neuberger Professor Emeritus years ago this month the Main Building on the USU campus opened it’s doors to the first students of the college that was authorized by a legislative act of 1888 The south wing was the first building on the campus and was constructed in 1889 at a cost of $25000 On September 2 1890 the halls resounded with the voices of the Eighty-fiv- e first Aggies A delay in the arrival of some of its furnishings caused a postponement of the official opening of school until Sep-bemb- er 5 A small chapel which included a balcony was located in the southwest corner of the building on the first floor It was here that President Sanborn conducted daily chapel exercises and attendance was required of all students In a meeting held on September 29 the Board of Trustees authorized the purchase of a large bell which was installed in the tower This same bell was transferred to the Main Tower in and its clear tones can still be heard each school day morning — resounding over the campus and far below the University Hill The north wing including the auditorium was constructed in 1895 and the center section from the hallway west was completed in 1902 World famous architects have proclaimed Old Main to be a beautiful structure — a massive building against the background of the east mountains The first gymnasium was located on the third floor of the north wing This area was used for physical 1902 Pages basketball games military drill and dances until the completion of the Smart Gymnasium which was made possible by a $10000 gift from Mr Thomas Smart a member of the Board of Trustees From 1895 until the acquisition of the Lyric Theatre In down town Logan in 1961 and the completion of the first phase of the Fine Arts Building (on campus) a few the Old Main years later Auditorium was the setting for all of the important gatherings on campus including the annual graduation exercises It was the place where the incoming students gathered each tember for orientation Sep- and registration It was here also that USU’s tradition for the production of outstanding dramas and musical The programs was born members of the 145th Field Artillery of Utah returned to the campus in 1919 after serving in France and found themselves flu caught in the world-wid- e The auditorium served epidemic as a hospital during this period Some of the young men died and many others were nursed back to health in this important room In the Board meeting of December 9 1890 President Sanborn reported “that the college had grown beyond the expectations of its promoters starting with 23 students and now reaching 83 with prospects of a large increase for next term” As the University opens its doors for the Fall Quarter of 1975-7- 6 (with an expected enrollment of approximately 9000) the importance of the institution’s first Fall Quarter appears to be in the distant past but the Yes ell those stories about the good old Aggies aspirations of the students who will assemble on campus next week are quite similar to those who first walked the halls of Old Main The goals and objectives of the University are still very much in keeping with the goals which were and developed adopted by the men and women who served as members of the Board of Trustees during the formative years of the institution and principles President Jeremiah W born and his small San- but distinguished faculty dedicated themselves to the building of a firm foundation upon which the University has been built They implemented and nurtured the goals and ideals which are a rich heritage for those who cross the threshold of Utah State are true Late students may find housing a bit scarce Jay Wamsley Staff Writer William Skimore USU housing director said that is office is still hopeful to find a place for every student “It’s the same confusion every year” he said “Students have a problem getting their appli- necessary to apply for admission even though a student may have received a scholarship Incoming students must have received an official acceptance to USU with a permit to register Can still apply Anyone who would like to can still apply for admission even though it is late Registration packets will be prepared for late Returning students wh i?ove registej oept 22 Classes at USU begin Sept 23 Most housing spaces on the campus are filled but the USlX Housing Office is making efforts ' to assist students in locating places to live past “I can’t understand it” she said “It might be that owners are renting to more permanent people rather than students” Skidmore said that his office has exhausted most of their overflow availabilities Skidmore “I have been filled up fo” 6 weeks or more and still geriing calls with no advertising” Ms Brown added staff and faculty that have or know of an extra bed to phone the housing office The waiting lists generally take care of themselves by the time school starts” Skidmore added housing owners and managers are also feeling a Off-camp- squeeze in housing the students Clara Brown who said she 0 houses about students estimates that she is still re 250-30- Christie Needham said that she and her husband felt the pressure since the early summer “We usually have a few vacancies in June but very few left this year” she said “We had very few vacancies through the summer” Mrs Needham said they haven’t had a vacancy for 6 weeks but still Teceive phone calls without ads Uf pre-register- officer William Skidmore said he expects that the situation will ease with the start of school because there usually are a few who reserve spaces and make deposits then decide at the last minute not to occupy them Thus those on waiting lists can usually be accommodated within a short timc after school starts he said Housing Hassle time again as the lines get longer and the schedules more complicated calls a day for Ms Brown said that she feels this year is a bit worse than years applicants as quickly as possible to permit them to register after regular registration days he said not 50 Ms Brown also said the building of the mall may have also had some impact on the problem also suggested that students enrollment shows increase ceiving about apartments cations in and come taking a chance to find something” University today Good year ahead USU 16 IP t v"i ft Housing is a bit short but anything is better than nothing |
