Author Archives: Jan Blodgett
Wall Academic Center
Dates: Built in 2015-2016. New wings scheduled to open in Fall 2016. Renovations to Martin Chemical to be completed in 2017. Quote: The first component of the plan is the renovation of the Martin Science Building and the construction of the 149,000-square-foot E. Craig Wall Jr. Academic Center. The space will provide a premiere, collaborative… Continue Reading
Chidsey Hall
Dates: Built 2011-2012. Named in August 2015 Quote: “Though some plants have yet to grow in and a few brick paths are not quite finished, Davidson first new residence hall since 2000 is now open and home to 251 sophomores of the class of 2015. With a comfortable lounge and a separate study are on… Continue Reading
Best Practices for Course Projects
The purpose of this guide is to help faculty design research projects for classes or individual students that will be presented through the Davidson College Archives and Special Collections website or the College’s Institutional Repository. Types of projects: Documenting Davidson: Documenting Davidson seeks to connect people and places with the College’a archival collections. Use this… Continue Reading
1950s Student Life
In the winter of 1952, a lion cub ran through Davidson’s manicured campus. Sigma Alpha Epsilon ordered their pledges to capture the lion cub. Of the 277 freshmen men, nearly eighty percent pledged, and, of those, 80 percent were the fourteen SAE pledges searching the grounds for a lion cub. These antics were part of… Continue Reading
1970s Student Life
While other colleges had massive protests over the Vietnam War in the early 1970s, Davidson’s war protest was a witty way of getting out of a duty. In July of 1971, seven Davidson men had their own graduation. The men had dropped out of the college at the end of their senior years before finishing… Continue Reading
Terry, William Holt : 2000-2015
William Holt Terry By The Decades: 1950-1959, 1960-1969, 1970-1979, 1980-1989, 1990-1999, 2000-2015 Having settled firmly into retirement, Rev. Will Terry continued to devote his time and energy to the things he loved best. According to general consensus, the majority of that energy went into the Terry Scholarship and Fellowship Program. Dr. Leland Park, ‘63, states… Continue Reading
Terry, William Holt: 1990-1999
William Holt Terry By the Decades: 1950-1959, 1960-1969, 1970-1979, 1980-1989, 1990-1999, 2000-2015 As Davidson College entered the ‘90s, the accumulation of changes over the previous four decades were bearing down on it full-force. Will Terry had adjusted to these changes on a personal and institutional level, but new opportunities and corresponding challenges just kept coming.… Continue Reading
Terry, William Holt
(b. 1932 d. 2015) Reverend William Holt Terry, ‘54, D.D., was thirty-eight when he became the Dean of Students at Davidson College in 1970, the role in which he is best remembered. Originally from Durham, North Carolina, Terry earned his B.S. degree from Davidson College and his Master of Ministry from Union Presbyterian Seminary of… Continue Reading
Terry, William Holt: 1980-1989
William Holt Terry By the Decades: 1950-1959, 1960-1969, 1970-1979, 1980-1989, 1990-1999, 2000-2015 Rev. Will Terry entered the ‘80s having been affiliated with the college for thirty years. In addition to being the Dean of Students, he also led cooking classes in his home and, following his own four years as chaplain, played a role in… Continue Reading
Terry, William Holt: 1970-1979
William Holt Terry By the Decades: 1950-1959, 1960-1969, 1970-1979, 1980-1989, 1990-1999, 2000-2015 In the summer of 1970, President Sam Spencer, ‘40, offered the position of Dean of Students to Rev. Will Terry. [1] This was preceded by tension between Will and some members of his congregation. Dr. John Kuykendall, ’59, revisits one source of conflict:… Continue Reading
Terry, William Holt: 1960-1969
William Holt Terry By the Decades: 1950-1959, 1960-1969, 1970-1979, 1980-1989, 1990-1999, 2000-2015 Having completed his education for the time being, Rev. Will Terry presided over Acme Presbyterian Church in Riegelwood, North Carolina from 1958 to 1962. [1,2] In his last year at Acme, he received a visit from his Davidson friends, Missy and John Kuykendall,… Continue Reading
Terry, William Holt: 1950-1959
William Holt Terry By the Decades: 1950-1959, 1960-1969, 1970-1979, 1980-1989, 1990-1999, 2000-2015 William Holt Terry was born on July 25th, 1932, in Erwin, North Carolina. “His mother was a teacher,” says Will’s best friend, Sue Ross. [1] As she explains, “he grew up in the Methodist church” as a child with a lot of personality.… Continue Reading
Alumni Association Awards
The Davidson College Alumni Association gives out 4 awards in recognition of the service and accomplishments of former Davidsonians. To see lists of the awards and the citations for the winners, use the link below. Alumni Awards Database The awards are: The Alumni Service Award, first given in 1973, recognizes those who have given a… Continue Reading
Sandifer, Myron G.
Myron G. Sandifer, Jr., Class of 1943, holds the distinction of being the only student to be class valedictorian and student body president. Myron grew up in the small hamlet of Lowrys, South Carolina (population of about 100). He came to Davidson in the fall of 1939, after graduating from Chester High School. A chemistry… Continue Reading
Web Evaluation Project
Evaluation Criteria Readability – font, colors, layout Audience – who is this written for Use of images – do images add to information, are captions clear, too many or too few? Engagement – how visually appealing – why or why not Links and structure – how do you know where you are – what the… Continue Reading
Photos from East Monbo
These photos supplement the Under Lake Norman East Monbo Mill and Village page. Continue Reading
Honors Thesis Submission Process
Congratulations on completing your thesis! To successfully complete your submission, please follow this two-step process. Step One: Fill out the following submission form with the necessary details pertaining to your thesis. Please also include an email address so we can reach you post-graduation. Once you have filled in the required fields click “Next”. Please wait… Continue Reading
WRI 101 B Web Evaluation
WRI 101B – Revisiting the Library Website Evaluation Project Group 1 Five Colleges – Zilpah P. Grant Banister Papers Look at main page, open a letter from the Letters by Banister, 1823-1874 group, pick one with a transcript and look original and transcript Michigan State University – Civil War This link opens directly to a… Continue Reading
William Erskine Ardrey Papers
Biographical Sketch of William Erskine Ardrey (1839 – 1907) William Erskine Ardrey was born in the Lower Providence area of Mecklenburg County on September 23, 1839 to Dr. William Alexander Ardrey and Lydia Lavinia Potts Ardrey. He was raised on his father’s plantation, called “Forest Home,” and attended the Providence Academy. Ardrey entered Davidson College… Continue Reading
John Frederick Nash’s World War I Postcard Collection
Contents of the Postcard booklet : La Guerre Européenne 1914-1915: Aprés le Passage Des Allemands – Les Ruines, Série 2 (The European War 1914-1915: The Ruins after the Passage of the Germans) Back to… Continue Reading
John Frederick Nash’s World War I Postcards
La Guerre Européenne 1914-1915: Aprés le Passage Des Allemands – Les Ruines, Série 2 (The European War 1914-1915: The Ruins after the Passage of the Germans) Source: DC053 – John Frederick Nash (1890-1958) Papers – World War I Postcards John Frederick Nash graduated from Davidson College in 1911. He also attended the North Carolina Medical… Continue Reading
Quillen, Carol
Carol Quillen began her tenure as Davidson’s 18th president on August 1, 2011, and was officially inaugurated on October 18, 2011. Quillen has the distinction of being the first female president of Davidson College, and is the first president since 1958 who is not a Davidson alumnus. Quillen grew up in New Castle, Delaware, a… Continue Reading
War Casualties
World War I Edgar B. Anderson ’15 Joseph Sidney Bachman ’18 Samuel Chandler Baker ’86 Pressley Robinson Brown ’06 Thomas McNeill Bulla ’07 Reid Davis Cranford ”19 James McCants Douglas ’10 Samuel Chalmers Hart ’12 Joseph Sidney Bachman ’18 Samuel Chandler Baker ’86 Pressley Robinson Brown ’06 Thomas McNeill Bulla ’07 Reid Davis Cranford ”19… Continue Reading
English Department
When Davidson College was founded in 1837, English was not a formal part of the curriculum. In 1855, the college created a professorship in Belles Lettres with a focus on composition rather than the teaching of literature. Victor Barringer was elected the first Troy Professor of Belle Lettres in 1860 but soon went on leave… Continue Reading
Scripts ‘N Pranks
After The Yowl was retired, most of the editorial staff remained to produce Scripts ‘N Pranks, a magazine devoted to “literature (scripts) and humor (pranks).” The first issue was produced in November of 1936. It was a quarterly magazine until the fall of 1958, when it began publishing three times a year. In the early… Continue Reading
Masters Degree at Davidson
Origins In August 1854, the trustees officially proclaimed that “Any student graduating at this Institution having been engaged in literary pursuits for three years, and of good moral character, shall be entitled to the degree of A.M” (Beaty 181). The A.M degree, which Davidson had been awarding to distinguished alumni since 1846, was a means… Continue Reading
Honor Theses Repository Policy and Submission Form
Purpose: To define the policies to initiate and maintain an electronic repository of Davidson Honor and Kelley Scholar Theses so as to preserve these works and provide access to the Davidson College Community and the broader global audience as appropriate. Policies: 1. Davidson College Honors and Kelley Scholars Theses will be included in the Davidson… Continue Reading
Junior Speaking
The Junior and Senior Speaking exercises grew out of commencement activities, when representatives of the two literary societies would present orations as part of the ceremonies. Members of the junior class would give a series of orations, punctuated by musical performances on topics ranging from “Liberty vs. License” to “The Preservation of Democracy” and from… Continue Reading
Maxwell Chambers Day
As a component of the 19th century curriculum, Davidson seniors were required to give orations before the faculty and students. In 1890, the occasion of Senior speaking was expanded, the Davidson Monthly recounts, to make “the occasion of the Senior Speaking a holiday, and invitations are to be sent out as for commencement.” The occasion… Continue Reading
Libertas
First published in February 1996, Libertas is a student-run publication for Davidson, “conceived by students in response to the recognizable gap that lies between The Davidsonian and Hobart Park” to further the dissemination of the wide ranges of ideas, beliefs and values of the Davidson College community. It is further intended, according to the statement… Continue Reading
Hobart Park
According to a 1960 Davidsonian article, from 1925-1960 Mr. Don Hobart “served Davidson as the college supervisor of buildings and grounds, in a labor of love which made Davidson’s campus a showplace the year ’round. When he came to the campus in 1925, Davidson was a place of muddy roads, sparse and unkempt grass and… Continue Reading
Class Poems
The Senior Class Poems and Orations were published in Quips and Cranks. Below are a sampling of the class poems through the years: Continue Reading
Hobart Park (magazine)
A literary magazine started in December 1978, Hobart Park was originally published three times a year by students, but it is now published in the spring of each year. The contributors are mostly students, but a few professors have also contributed. The magazine consists of original fiction, non-fiction, poetry and photography by student and faculty… Continue Reading
Stewards
In its earliest days, Davidson College established a manual labor system required of all students to promote health and prevent idleness among the students. In order to facilitate this manual labor system, the Concord Presbytery determined that “A manual labor system called for someone to oversee the labor–a farmer, in fact, who could work with… Continue Reading
Court of Control
In 1923, “On Saturday April 7th, the student body of Davidson College voted unanimously to abolish every form of hazing that had existed in the college, and to leave to a body of eight men the important task of supervising the Freshmen.” This body, consisting of four seniors, two juniors, and two sophomore, all appointed… Continue Reading
WALT
WALT 1610 AM, the Davidson College Student run and operated Radio Station, was founded in 1986. It’s constitution states that “WALT. will act not only as an opportunity for interested students seeking involvement in radio, but will also serve as an alternative form of radio that is unavailable in this area. WALT. will also serve… Continue Reading
Statement of Purpose
As early as February 1960, then President D. Grier Martin began envisioning a statement of purpose for Davidson College. Within the course of the next two years, Martin’s idea began to take shape, as a “Committee on Purpose” was formed in January 1962. As David Wheeler explained, “these men sought not only to grasp the… Continue Reading
Encyclopedie (Diderot)
One of the most interesting, valuable, and mysterious holdings in the Smith Rare Book Room is a first edition of the 35 volume Encyclopedie; ou Dictionnaire raisonne des sciences des arts et des metiers, published between 1751 and 1788 in Paris by Denis Diderot, writer and philosopher of the Enlightenment. Davidson owns one of the… Continue Reading
Economics Department
Although Economic courses appear in the original curriculum and have been taught continuously at Davidson College, they did not appear as separate “Department of Instruction” until the 1920s. In fact, for the first fifty years of Davidson’s history, the economics curriculum consisted of a single course on the “Political Economy,” which applied “moral philosophy” to… Continue Reading
Humanities Program
The Humanities Program is an uniquely Davidson program, which strikes at the core of the liberal arts tradition. From it’s origins in 1962, the Humanities program is a four semester interdisciplinary program designed to introduce students to the historical, religious, literary, economic, philosophical, and political forces which have combined to shape Western Civilization. This is… Continue Reading
Junior Year Abroad
According to a 1968-1969 brochure, “A year of study in a foreign country, confronting the student with new combinations of old ideas and opening his intellect to the possibilities for the development of new ideas, is an invaluable adjunct to any college program. This is particularly true for Davidson, which has as its goal the… Continue Reading
Kelley Program in Historical Studies
The Kendrick K. Kelley Program in Historical Studies is Davidson’s unique honors program for history majors, and encompasses multiple components all designed to foster the study of history. The program, named for and endowed by the family of Ken Kelley, class of 1963, an honors history major and Charles A. Dana Scholar, intended to serve… Continue Reading
College Catalogs
The annual Davidson College catalog contains the official academic record of a given academic year. The catalog contains a list of trustees, faculty, and frequently students by class rank, in addition to an explanation of the official courses of study, rule and regulations of the college. The college catalogs (1842-1861; 1868-2012) are accessible online. Continue Reading
Semi-Centennial Catalog
The 1891 Semi-Centennial Catalog was the first attempt at a comprehensive compilation of Davidson alumni, trustees, and faculty providing far more data than the preexisting lists of Davidson graduates. The Davidson Alumni Association appointed an early committee in June 1886 with the special task of compiling this book with the hope that it would “remind… Continue Reading
Bible of Omar ibn Sayyid
Omar Ibn Sayyid was a Muslim African slave who lived in the southern states in the early 1800s. He was likely the most educated slave in North Carolina, as well as the author of the only known slave autobiography written in a native language. Lastly, he is one of the best documented examples of a… Continue Reading
Emblemata
Emblem books were popular during the 16th and 17th centuries. Woodcuts or engravings (the “emblems”) pictured moral tales or allegories, accompanied by a mottoor brief sentence. One of the most famous and influential of those creating emblem books was the Italian Andrea Alciati, a teacher at the University of Bouiges. His “Emblemata” were heavily influential… Continue Reading
Bullard Book of Hours
A book of hours was a private devotional book, a compilation of prayers and biblical texts to be read at the eight ‘hours’ of the liturgical day beginning with Matins and Lauds in the very early morning and proceeding from Prime (about 6:00 AM) through Terce, Sext, Nones, Vespers, and Compline. Each book of hours… Continue Reading
William Patterson Cumming Map Collection
William Patterson Cumming (1900-1989), Davidson College graduate of the class of 1921, and long time professor of English at Davidson College, was also an avid collector and historian of the mapping of North America. In fact, his interest in the history of the cartography of North America earned him a reputation as an international expert… Continue Reading
Always Part of the Fabric: A Supplement, 1962-Present
Home — 1837-1865 — 1865-1900 — 1901-1962 — 1962-Present In the Fall of 1964, the college began accepting African-American students – with 2 students entering that year, 2 in the fall of 1965, two in the fall of 1966- the pace of integration was slow and social life was difficult for the students. The first… Continue Reading
Little, Edward Herman
The fifth of 12 children born to George W. and Ella Howie Little, Edward Herman Little1 was born April 10th, 1881, in Long Creek North Carolina. As a child, he worked on his parents’ farm (Powell 72). As a young teenager, in the 1890s, he would take his older brother, Charles Little, who was studying… Continue Reading
Little Library
Planning and Layout In 1964, about 20 years after the “bucket brigade” to and the dedication of the Grey Memorial Library, D. Grier Martin, president of Davidson College from 1958 to 1968, began formulating plans for a new, modern library, with an initial estimated cost of $2.2 million and a… Continue Reading
Shaw, Cornelia
Ms. Cornelia Shaw In 1907, three years before the move from the Union Library to the new Carnegie building, Davidson hired the college’s first full-time librarian, Cornelia Shaw. Shaw served as both librarian and registrar from 1907 until 1921, then remained exclusively as librarian until her retirement in 1936. Shaw acted as library… Continue Reading
Grey Library
Beginnings: The Grey Legacy To house the school’s expanding book collection, Davidson College moved from the Carnegie Library to the Hugh A. and Jane Parks Grey Memorial Library in the fall of 1941. Captain James Park Grey ’85 anonymously donated $150,000 for the construction of a new library in 1940 (McKnight). When his donation was… Continue Reading
Union Library
Davidson’s Beginnings In 1837 the Concord Presbytery founded Davidson College. These elders and pastors of the local area churches yearned to “bring the benefits of education within the reach of the poor boys of the community” (Shaw 11). Classes were predominately recitations in which students had to memorize and recite assigned readings regularly. Professors trusted… Continue Reading
Carnegie Library of Davidson College
Founded in 1910, the Davidson College Carnegie Library was named for the U.S. philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who made a substantial donation towards the building. This building served as the library from 1910 to 1941. During this time, Davidson hired its first full-time librarian, Ms. Cornelia Shaw. Origins The Davidson Carnegie Library was one of… Continue Reading
Rare Book Room Use
Location: Second Floor of the Library Capacity: 40 Room configuration: Conference Table and Chairs for 12 people + additional Chairs Equipment: Wireless Network Who can use the Rare Book Room? Preference will be given to requests that require the unique resources of the room. *Please note that it may occasionally be necessary to change or… Continue Reading
Always Part of the Fabric: A Supplement, 1901-1962
Home — 1837-1865 — 1865-1900 — 1901-1962 — 1962-Present The question of race relations moved from day to day interactions into the chapel and publications where students began to here more lectures and write more articles. In 1901 Reverend Mr. Lily, evangelist of colored work in Alabama, gave us a very instructive talk on the… Continue Reading
Always Part of the Fabric: A Supplement, 1865-1900
Home — 1837-1865 — 1865-1900 — 1901-1962 — 1962-Present After the American Civil War, racial tensions and economic challenges still plagued Davidson. According to President Kirkpatrick, in 1866, “I can hardly give you an idea of the condition of things in our country. We are yet under military rule, which although we have not suffered… Continue Reading
Always Part of the Fabric: A Supplement, 1837-1865
Home — 1837-1865 — 1865-1900 — 1901-1962 — 1962-Present Although Davidson college never owned slaves, slaves helped make bricks and build early campus buildings including the President’s house shown here. President Robert Hall Morrison did bring his personal slaves, Mary and Bagwell and their four sons, with him and his family to Davidson in 1837.… Continue Reading
Beaver Dam
Built in 1829, Beaver Dam is a younger cousin to the Piedmont’s more famous plantations, Rural Hill (1788) and Latta Place (1800). The second story house built on the site, this two-story, Federal style house was home to Major William Lee Davidson, II and his wife, Betsy Lee Davidson. Major John Davidson, Betsy’s father, also… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – October 1842
Concord Presbytery Records, 1836-1846, v.4 Meeting: Poplar Tent Church, October 28, 1842, p. 233-234 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p. 233, Poplar Tent Church 28 October 1842] The Rev. Stephen Frontis was appointed a Trustee of Davidson College, in the place of the Rev. John Williamson deceased. A communication from the Board of… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – March-April 1842
Concord Presbytery Records, 1836-1846, v.4 Meeting: Steele Creek, March 31 – April 1, 1842, p. 209-216 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p. 209, Steel Creek 31 March 1842] The Committee appointed to nominate Trustees for Davidson College reported, and their report was accepted and adopted, and is as follows ————- viz. “The Committee… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – September 1841
Concord Presbytery Records, 1836-1846, v.4 Meeting: Morganton, September 11, 1841 p.199-200 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p. 199] Whereas the Board of Trustees of Davidson College brought suit against Mr. John Stitt, Senr for his subscription to said college, under a mistaken apprehension that he wished said suit to be brought against him;… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – July 1841
Concord Presbytery Records, 1836-1846, v.4 Meeting: Davidson College July 28, 1841, p. 188-189 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p. 188, Davidson College 28 July 1841] Presbytery proceeded to the business for which it was called viz to elect to Professor of Mathematicks and Natural Philosophy for Davidson College, and the vote Davidson College… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – March 1841
Concord Presbytery Records, 1836-1846, v.4 Meeting: Concord Town, March 11-12, 1841, p. 176-181 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p. 176, Concord Town 11 March 1841] Revd Cyrus Johnson, D. A. Penick and S. Williamson and Charles W. Harris Esq were appointed a committee to review the constitution of Davidson College and report any… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – January 1841
Concord Presbytery Records, 1836-1846, v.4 Meeting: Charlotte, January 20, 1841, p. 166-167 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p. 166. Called Meeting at Charlotte] Charlotte 20 January 1841 The Presbytery of Concord having been constitutionally called to elect a President and Professor or either of these officers to fill the vacancies in the faculty… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes
Excerpts from the minutes of the Presbytery of Concord, relating to the founding of Davidson College. These excerpts are used with permission of the Presbytery. March 1835 April 1835 August 1835 October 1835 March 1836 April 1836 June 1836 October 1836 November 1836 December 1836 March 1837 May 1837 October 1837 January 1838 March 1838… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – October 1839
Concord Presbytery Records, 1836-1846, v.4 Meeting: Lincolnton, October 10, 1839, p. 127 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p. 127, Lincolnton 10 October 1839] The com. on Davidson College reported and their report was adopted and is as follows viz. On the Subject of a College within the bounds of the Synod of N.Car.… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – July 1839
Concord Presbytery Records, 1836-1846, v.4 Meeting: Charlotte, July 10, 1839, p. 113-114 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p. 113 Charlotte 10 July 1839] Called meeting The Presbytery of Concord met at the call of the moderator by the following circular viz Bethany Church June 24 1839 At the request of the Board of… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – March 1839
Concord Presbytery Records, 1836-1846, v.4 Meeting: Sugar Creek Church, March 11, 1839, p. 93-110 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p. 93 Sugar Creek Church 11 March 1839] On motion resolved that the business of Davidson College be taken up Resolved that this Presbytery accept the Charter granted to Davidson College by the Legislature… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – October 1838
Concord Presbytery Records, 1836-1846, v.4 Meeting: Mocksville, October 12-15, 1838, p. 73-83 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p 73, Mocksville 12 October 1838] Committee appointed to nominate trustees for Davidson College reported and their report was accepted and adopted and is as follows viz; Wm Lee Davidson, Charles W. Harris, A. Y. Lockridge,… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – March 1838
Concord Presbytery Records, 1836-1846, v.4 Meeting:Davidson College, March 21, 1838, p. 57-58 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p. 57, Davidson College 21 March 1838] The Committee appointed to audit the accounts of the Treasurer of Davidson College reported and their report was accepted and id as follows, viz. The Subscribers having been appointed… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – January 1838
Concord Presbytery Records, 1836-1846, v.4 Meeting:Davidson College, January 3, 1838, p. 53-54 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p. 53, Davidson College January 3, 1838] On motion resolved that the salary of the Revd. P. J. Sparrow be raised to the sum of twelve hundred dollars per annum. On motion resolved that the Revd… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – April 1843
Concord Presbytery Records, 1836-1846, v.4 Meeting: Providence Church, April 13, 1843, p. 243-246 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p. 243, Providence Church 13 April 1843] The President of the Board of Trustees of Davidson College presented the annual report of said Board to Presbytery, which was accepted, and is as follows,—— viz. Davidson… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – October 1843
Concord Presbytery Records, 1836-1846, v.4 Meeting: Poplar Tent Church, October 12, 1843, p. 269 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p. 269 Poplar Tent Church 12 October 1843] A communication from the Board of Trustees of Davidson College was received suggesting the propriety of requesting the Presbytery of Fayetteville to proceed to the election… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – August 1840
Concord Presbytery Records, 1836-1846, v.4 Meeting: Unity Church, August 11, 1840, p. 142 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p. 142, Unity Church 11 August 1840] After Recess the Presbytery came together for business and Resolved that we now go into an election by ballot for a President of Davidson College and also for… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – October 1837
Concord Presbytery Records, 1836-1846, v.4 Meeting: Statesville, October 11-12, 1837, p. 34-41 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p. 34, Statesville October 11, 1837] The Revd Patrick J. Sparrow reported a newly organized church at Davidson College, to be called the College Church which was received as a regularly organized Presbyterian Church under our… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – May 1837
Concord Presbytery Records, 1836-1846, v.4 Meeting: Poplar Tent Church, May 12, 1837, p. 31-32 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p.31 Poplar Tent Church 12 May 1837] From the Representations of the Revd. R. H. Morrison it appears indispensably necessary that additional rooms be provided in Davidson College for the accommodation of Students. Whereupon… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – March 1837
Concord Presbytery Record, 1836-1846, v.4 Meeting: Thyatria Church, March 8-10, 1837, p. 20, 24-28 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p. 20 Thyatira Church 8 March 1837] The Revd. A. Y. Lockridge reported that he had Received a letter from Mr. Mortimer D. Johnston signifying his acceptance of the appointment of tutor in Davidson… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – December 1836
Concord Presbytery Records, 1836-1846, v.4 Meeting: Centre Church, December 21, 1836, p. 16-17 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p 16. Davidson College 21 December 1836 ] The Revd Robt. H. Morrison who had been elected to the Presidency of Davidson College being called upon to make know to Presbytery whether he would accept… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – November 1836
Concord Presbytery Records, 1836-1846, v.4 Meeting: Centre Church, November 9, 1836, p. 13-14 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p 13, Centre Church 9 Nov 1836] Mr.Robt Potts was elected a Trustee of Davidson College in the place of Doct. Abram Alexander removed to the west. This meeting having been appointed for the purpose… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – October 1836
Concord Presbytery Records, 1836-1846, v.4 Meeting: Ramah Church, October 13-14, 1836, p. 4-6, 11 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p. 4 Ramah Church, 13 October 1836] The Revd. Robt.H. Morrison and Mr. Robt. D. Alexander were appointed a committee to examine the books and accounts of the Revd John Williamson Treasurer pro-tem and… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – June 1836
Concord Presbytery Records, 1832-1836, v.3 Meeting: Bethel Church, June 1, 1836, p. 132-134 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p. 132 Bethel Church 1stof June, 1836 ] The minutes of the last meetings of Presbytery was read, and the Presbytery suspended its business to give an opportunity to the Trustees of Davidson College to… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – April 1836
Concord Presbytery Records, 1832-1836, v.3 Meeting: Site of Davidson College, April 7, 1836 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript Concord Presbytery Records, 1832-1836, v.3 Meeting: Site of Davidson College, April 7, 1836, p. 129-131 Original [p. 129 Site of Davidson College 7th of April 1836 ] The Presbytery of Concord met according to adjournment… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes-March 1836
Concord Presbytery Records, 1832-1836, v.3 Meeting: Third Creek Presbyterian Church, March 8-10, 1836 p. 120-127 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p. 120 Third Creek Presbyterian Church 8 March 1836] Resolved that it be the order of the day for tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock to elect a Treasurer of Davidson College and also… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – October 1835
Concord Presbytery Records, 1832-1836, v.3 Meeting: Charlotte, October 9-13, 1835, p. 101-115 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p. 101, Charlotte 9th Oct. 1835] After recess the Revd Samuel Williamson, who was appointed this agent of the Presbytery to visit the Presbytery of Bethel to invite their cooperation and assistant in our Manual Labor… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – August 1835
Concord Presbytery Records, 1832-1836, v.3 Meeting: Called Meeting, Bethel Church, 25 August 1835, p. 92-97 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [p. 92 Called Meeting 25 Aug 1835] By the call of the moderator the Revd. P. J. Sparrow the presbytery of Concord met at Bethel Church on the 25 Aug 1835 for the… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – April 1835
Concord Presbytery Records, 1832-1836, v.3 Meeting: Rocky River Church, 30 April 1835, p. 87-89 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [Rocky-River Church 30th April 1835 p. 87 ] Adjourned to meet tomorrow morning at the church at 8 o’clock Rocky River Church 30th April 1835 Presbytery met according to adjournment and was constituted with… Continue Reading
Presbytery Minutes – March 1835
Concord Presbytery Records, 1832-1836, v.3 Meeting: Prospect Church, Second Session, Thursday, March 12-13, 1835 p. 79-83 Back to Presbytery Minutes | Original Transcript [Prospect Church, Thursday, March 12, 1835 p. 79 ] Presbytery, taking into consideration the importance of a more general diffusion of useful knowledge, and the expediency of adopting some system of sound… Continue Reading
Citing Archival Sources
The following entries are examples used to demonstrate the correct format for citations. Please contact a librarian for assistance with specific questions. Files and Documents Accessed Online: A number of records of the types described below are available in digital formats online. Citations for online materials are identical to those below with addition of this… Continue Reading
College History Resources
Published Histories The best place to begin is with the published histories of the college. They can provide suggestions for topics and identify original source materials. Beaty, Mary D. A History of Davidson College. Briarpatch Press, 1988. 378.75 D25b D Room: D 081 B3691da Shaw, Cornelia R. Davidson College. Fleming H. Revell Press, 1923. 378.75… Continue Reading
Bullard Book of Hours
A book of hours was a private devotional book, a compilation of prayers and biblical texts to be read at the eight ‘hours’ of the liturgical day beginning with Matins and Lauds in the very early morning and proceeding from Prime (about 6:00 AM) through Terce, Sext, Nones, Vespers, and Compline. Each book of hours… Continue Reading
College Letters, 1837-1921
These letters were selected from the manuscript collections housed in Archives and Special Collections. The dates of the letters range from 1837 to 1921. Each letter contains references to college life and events. Many of them also have information about family, friends and non-college events. Alexander, Thomas (1843) Bannerman, A. W. (1857) Bogle, Alexander M.… Continue Reading
Phonathon (SGA)
In fiscal year 2009-2010, the alumni giving rate of Davidson College exceeded that of any other college or university. [Boraks] However, Davidson used to lag behind in alumni participation. Once the Davidson community, including the administration, alumni and students, began working together, alumni giving increased from 23% to 61% between 1980 and 2010. In the… Continue Reading
Dinner at Davidson & Big Talk (SGA)
SGA has retained its historical role in addressing social concerns and raising money in order to create a better environment for Davidson students in the present and in the future. While SGA is not focused on being engaged in direct service, it has developed ways for students to become involved in bettering the Davidson community.… Continue Reading
Student Government Association and Service
Since the election of the first student body president in 1896 and the creation of student government in 1909, the role of the Student Government Association (SGA) has varied depending upon the needs of the student body. The SGA addressed honor code violations until the creation of Honor Council in 1959. From 1959 on, the… Continue Reading
Solidarity Committee (SGA)
When the Ku Klux Klan staged a march through the middle of the Town of Davidson in 1986, the stores in town shut down and the students gathered together in a day of food and fun on the grass between Vail Commons and Fraternity Row. This first gathering was known as the “Solidarity Gathering” as… Continue Reading
Patterson Court and Service
1980s: Patterson Court and the Push for More Service The campus climate changed after its integration in 1962 and admittance of women in 1972. These students searched for their place on Davidson’s campus accompanied by societal and campus issues that could not be ignored. The Y Student Service Corps and Alpha Phi Omega, a national… Continue Reading
Service Learning
Introduction | Origins of Service Learning Service Learning in the Classroom | The Expansion of Community-based Courses, 2005-2011 Introduction Service learning as a pedagogy has become increasingly important to Davidson College. As defined by Dr. Annie Ingram, Davidson’s Thomson Professor of Environmental Studies and Professor of English, “service learning encourages students to draw connections between… Continue Reading
Center for Civic Engagement
Introduction Ever since the establishment of a campus Young Men’s Christian Association (Y.M.C.A) chapter in 1879, service has been a fundamental pillar of Davidson College’s identity. The college’s Statement of Purpose clearly elucidates this devotion to inspire service, not only within the confines of the college, but throughout the greater community: “The primary purpose of… Continue Reading
Men’s Basketball and Service
Davidson’s men’s basketball team has been engaged with the broader community since 1907, when Davidson basketball began. Yet, the lack of historical records suggests that formal engagement between the players and townspeople was rare. In the 1950’s, for example, the interface between the fans and townspeople was limited to talking to them before and after… Continue Reading
Athletics and Community Service
Situated in the small town of Davidson, North Carolina, Davidson College has always had a strong relationship with its surrounding community. Athletic events are one way that the town of Davidson and the college have been brought together over the years. Whether by attending games or donating money, Davidson townspeople have gone out of their… Continue Reading
Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Student-Athlete Advisory Council
At Davidson, the onus of organizing and contributing to community service is, for the most part, on the students. As a result, it is not surprising that over the years there have been a number of successful student-lead groups on campus that have created opportunities for participation in and have spread the awareness of service… Continue Reading
Women’s Athletics and Service
Community service has always been an important part of the women’s athletic program at Davidson, but recently, two teams have increased their service by becoming involved in the fight against breast cancer. In 2007, the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association introduced Think Pink – a national fundraising effort held to raise breast cancer awareness. Kay Yow,… Continue Reading
Stapleton-Davidson Urban Service Internship
“I wanted to get up close and personal with the inner city and this was it” -Darrell Smith ’96 (Threads of Experience) Just down the road from the plush comforts of Davidson College there are many impoverished people in need of a helping hand. Every summer a small group of select Davidson students travel to… Continue Reading
Alternative Gift Market (Chaplain’s Office)
“Ahhh… Christmas. A bountiful time of food, family, brightly decorated trees with presents piled around them, warm cider, cookies, and water buffaloes.” Letitia Campbell, The Davidsonian, 1993 Since 1993, Davidson College has hosted an Alternative Gift Market during the Christmas season. Rather than buying material gifts, students who buy from the Alternative Gift Market provide… Continue Reading
Journey to Nicaragua
“And we, as part of the body of Christ, went to Nicaragua to meet another part of the body of Christ, so upon returning, we could share their story, understanding a little more, altering our lives so that we may live to honor their reality.” (Quotes from Chaplain’s Office 2001-2002) Since 1999, the Chaplain’s Office… Continue Reading
Chaplain’s Office
Located on the 4th floor of the Alvarez College Union in 2011, the Chaplain’s Office exists to address a broad range of spiritual needs. The Office began in 1951as a place to nurture the faith of Christian students, but it has since broadened its mission and now aims to serve students from all spiritual and… Continue Reading
Davidson College Presidential Portraits
Reverend Robert Hall Morrison Reverend Samuel Williamson Reverend Drury Lacy Reverend John Lycan Kirkpatrick Reverend George Wilson McPhail Reverend Andrew Dousa Hepburn Reverend Luther McKinnon Reverend John Bunyan Shearer Professor Henry Louis Smith Professor William Joseph Martin, Jr. Reverend Walter Lee Lingle Dr. John Rood Cunningham David Grier Martin Dr. Samuel Reid Spencer, Jr.… Continue Reading
Newell (Samuel W.) Building
Dates: Built in 2002-2003 to house WDAV radio station. Quote: WDAV on Main Street…” I like the sound of that. It suggests that classical music belongs not just in the concert hall or in the parlor, but in the midst of the daily life of the community. Kim Hodgson. “WDAV on Main Street .” WDAV… Continue Reading
Oak Row
Dates: Built in 1836-37 as dormitory. Fraternity meeting room, 1916-1928, Office of student publications and other organizations, 1928-1950, Music Department Offices, 1950-1969, Art Department Offices and Music practice rooms, 1969-1993, Music practice rooms 1993 to present. Quote: The rows apparently continued as dormitories until 1916 when the fraternities were moved out of Chambers and give… Continue Reading
Ovens Union
Dates: Built 1916-1917 as Alumni Gymnasium. Remodeled as Ovens Student Union in 1952 and expanded in 1963. Demolished in 1972 to make way for E.H. Little Library. Quote: The gift from the Alumni to the College is being realized. It is going to be an attractive and well apportioned building, and is ideally located on… Continue Reading
Patterson Court
Dates: First 12 houses constructed in 1958. Some buildings moved in 1981. Turner House constructed 1999. Quote: Each of the fraternities will have a separate house, and are scheduled for use in the fall of 1958. “We hope that the new court,” he [D. Grier Martin] said, “will be as pioneering and modern in the… Continue Reading
President’s House – Louisiana
Date: Built in 1840s, south-west corner of Main and Griffith Street; demolished in 1934 President Samuel Williamson inhabited the original President’s House only for a short time. The original President’s House did not suit Williamson and with the money from a fundraising campaign, another President’s House named “Louisiana” was constructed in 1850. The house, built where… Continue Reading
Philanthropic Hall
Dates: Built in 1850. Restored in 1956. Placed on National Historic Register in 1972. Named Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Site in 1976. Quote: Philanthropic Hall is one of the primary landmarks of the Davidson College campus. Built by a society that played a dominant role in the college from its founding, the structure has been used… Continue Reading
Preyer Infirmary
Dates: Built in 1938. Converted to administrative offices in 1992. Quote: With the opening of Davidson’s new $25,000 Infirmary the first step toward the building of the ideal Davidson campus has been completed. This beautiful brick structure stands on the Concord Road just off the Charlotte highway facing the Martin Chemical Laboratory. It is built… Continue Reading
Richardson Hall
Dates: Built in 1960. Dedicated May 26, 1962. Quote: Robert A. Currie, College Business Manager, recently released details of the construction of Davidson’s new dormitory. The building will be composed of sixty-two, two man rooms with a large lounge at the main entrance to the first floor. . . . Each room will be 14… Continue Reading
Rumple Dormitory
Dates: Built in 1903. Demolished in 1955 Quote: The erection and furnishing of this building mark the beginning of a new era of comfort and convenience in student life at Davidson. Although the exterior is almost severely plain, no expense has been spared to make the building a model in light, ventilation, and comfort. A… Continue Reading
Sloan Music Center
Dates: Built as library in 1941. Dedicated May 1, 1942. West wing added in 1958. Remodeled as College Union in 1975. Remodeled in 2002 as the Sloan Music Center. Quote: Why is the 900 Room called the 900 Room? Director of the Union William Brown says that, “In the days when this building was a… Continue Reading
Sentelle Hall
Dates: Built in 1922-23. Remodeled in 1971. Quote: As has been stated, the new dormitories will be modern in every respect. There will be a lavatory room on each floor. Ample shower baths are provided in the basement. Closets ample for all needs are provided in each room. Many applications are being made for rooms… Continue Reading
Shearer Hall
Dates: Built in 1837-38. Remodeled and named Shearer Hall in 1901. Demolished in 1960. Quote: In 1901, President Shearer, known to the students as “Old Puss” decided he wanted a building named for his wife. so he pulled down an original professor’s house (known as Tammany Hall) and added the east wing to the… Continue Reading
Sparrow’s Nest
Dates: Built in 1840s. Boarding house 1915 into 1920s. Acquired by College in 1908. Remodeled in 1961, 1974. Campus Security office 1974-1990. Physical Plant office 1990-1999. Quote: This little house, which stands next to the college laundry, was built before the Civil War to house servants for the “Sparrow’s Nest.” A certain Mr. Sparrow, one… Continue Reading
Smith House
Dates: Built in 1897 as faculty house. Used as administrative offices in 1960s. Student dormitory 1972-1992. Remodeled as offices for College Relations in 1992. Quote: . . . on the northernmost edge of college property just south of Glasgow Street, was the site chosen in 1896 for what Prof. Henry Louis Smith wanted, “a home… Continue Reading
Steward’s Hall
Dates: Built in 1836-37. Demolished in 1909. Quote: The first non-residential building erected on the old quadrangle was the Steward’s Hall (completed a year before the chapel) at which all students were required to eat. They furnished much of the food themselves because in those early days of self-help students worked (in accordance with ages… Continue Reading
Stowe Tennis House
Dates: Built in 1968. Quote: The small building was erected immediately to the northwest of the varsity tennis courts which are northeast of Johnston gymnasium, and was designed by Grover C. Meetze, Jr., director of physical plant to blend with the prevailing campus architecture.Daivdson College Bulletin. May 1968 Named for: Robert Lee Stowe, Jr., class… Continue Reading
Watson Life Sciences
Dates: Built in 1998. Dedicated October 1, 1998. Quote: The college has just completed construction on the $13-million, 42,000-square-foot Watson Life Sciences Building. It is linked by the Blanche Knox Parker Garden and covered walkways to the existing Dana Science Building, and the two structures together form the Baker-Watt Science Complex. . . .The project… Continue Reading
Belk (Katherine and Tom) Visual Arts Center
Dates: Built in 1992-93. Dedicated October 8, 1993. Named September 25, 1998. Quote: The exterior matches the predominant look of campus buildings, red brick with precast trim. Gunn and his colleagues modeled their building on two of Davidson’s oldest and most distinguished buildings, Eumenaean Hall (built in 1849) and Philanthropic Hall (built in 1850). The… Continue Reading
Tomlinson Hall
Dates: Built in 2000 on the site of Lingle Manor. Dedicated as Tomlinson Hall, October 9, 2003 Quote:“RLO Staff expect the new dormitory to have a profound impact on Davidson. ‘The new dorm will shift perception of what constitutes the residential area on campus,” says [Kurt] Holmes.” “Davidson constructs new residence hall” Davidsonian, February 17,… Continue Reading
Vail Commons
Dates: Built in 1980-81. Dedicated November 7, 1981 Quote: The interior of the Commons will be the most dramatic on campus. Seating has been broken up by diagonally-crossing walkways, and lighting canopies will be suspended from the high two-story ceiling over most of the dining areas. A triangular mezzanine will be also allow seating on… Continue Reading
West Hall
Dates: Built in 2000 on the site of Lingle Manor. Quote:"RLO Staff expect the new dormitory to have a profound impact on Davidson. ‘The new dorm will shift perception of what constitutes the residential area on campus,” says [Kurt] Holmes.” “Davidson constructs new residence hall” Davidsonian, February 17, 2000. Return to Campus Building List Continue Reading
Watts Hall
Dates: Built in 1906. Burned and rebuilt 1923. Quote: Of great interest to the students, perhaps, is the replacing of Watts Dormitory by a new and complete building, with accommodations for 100 students, twice as many as were provided by the dormitory that was destroyed on February 25th. The Board authorize Dr. Martin and the… Continue Reading
ITS User Services Building
Dates: Built as Post Office in 1957. Remodeled in 1984. Quote: Both the College and community will use a new $55,000 post office being constructed alongside old Carolina Inn on Main Street. The one-story, neo-classical building, leased to the Post Office Department for 20 years, is so designed to make it adaptable to institutional purposes… Continue Reading
Applied Psychology Building – Hamilton House
Dates: Built by Hamilton family after 1916. Acquired by Davidson College in 1966. Used as faculty housing 1966 to 1991. 1992 to present offices of Applied Psychology faculty. Return to Campus Building List Last modified on January 11, 2001 Copyright (C) 2001, Davidson College. All Rights Reserved. Continue Reading
Baker Sports Complex
Dates: Knobloch Tennis Center built in 1985. Baker Sports Complex dedicated November 11, 1989. Charles A. Cannon Pool dedicated January 25, 1992. Vance Athletic Center addition completed in 2015. Quote: The Baker Sports Complex consists of four major areas: The Louise and Carl Knobloch Tennis Center, The Belk Basketball Arena, The Cannon Pool, and The… Continue Reading
Barracks
Dates: Probably built in the summer of 1920. Demolished in 1945. Plaque commemorating given in 1992. Quote: Mr. Jackson says “they” are cottages; the “Hill” has dubbed them “Barracks.” Whatever might be their real name — those new dormitories are pretty nifty. “Campussisms.” Davidsonian. 17 September 1920, p. 8. Return to Campus Building List Continue Reading
Belk Hall
Dates: Construction began in 1953. Building dedicated on October 15, 1955. Small fire during renovations in 1971. Bell tower removed for renovations in 1998. Quote: Davidson College has a particular place in its heart and history for Mr. Belk. He became a member of the Board of Trustees in 1929, and was Senior Trustee at… Continue Reading
Blackwell Alumni House
Dates: Built in 1914 as faculty residence. Student residence, 1980-1985. Women’s Center 1980-1982. Remodeled in 1986 as Alumni Office. Remodeled and renamed in honor of long-time employee Nancy Overcash Blackwell in 2000. Quote: The College built this Main Street house in 1914 for Professor Joseph M. McConnell, who would later serve as Davidson’s first academic… Continue Reading
Cannon Dormitory
Dates: Built in 1923 as West Dormitory. Renovated in 1956-1957 and renamed J. Archie Cannon Hall. Dedicated along with E.H. Little Hall on November 1, 1957. Housed women students for the first time in 1977. Quote: The new dormitory will be modeled along the latest designs for college buildings and will differ somewhat from… Continue Reading
Carolina Inn
Dates: First constructed as a store in 1848. Purchased in 1855 by Hanson Pinkney Helper and remodeled into a thirteen room hotel. Purchased around 1901 by the Sloan family and operated as a boarding house and weekend rooming house for visiting college girls. Purchased by the college in 1946. Used in the 1950s and 1960s… Continue Reading
Grey College Union
Dates: Built as library in 1941. Dedicated May 1, 1942. West wing added in 1958. Remodeled as College Union in 1975. Quote: Why is the 900 Room called the 900 Room? Director of the Union William Brown says that, “In the days when this building was a library, the floor that is now the balcony… Continue Reading
Chambers Building – Old
The Old Chambers Building before and after the fire. Dates: The cornerstone was laid in 1858 and the building was completed in 1860. It burned down on November 21, 1921. The columns remained standing until 1929. Quotes: The whole College Building looks as if the projectors remembered that they were building for a century and… Continue Reading
Cunningham Theatre Center
Dates: Built in 1961 and dedicated as Cunningham Fine Arts Building on October 29, 1961. After a thorough remodeling, in fall 2009, the building was rededicated as the Cunningham Theatre Center. The Cunningham Theatre Center houses the Rupert T. Barber Theatre as the performance centerpiece of the building. Quote: The center is truly unique and… Continue Reading
Chambers Building – New
Dates: Began construction in 1924. South wing building completed in 1925. Cornerstone laid for remainder of building 29 May 1928. Building completed 1929 and dedicated on June 3, 1930. 1966-1967 building renovated. Quote: In the early morning November 28, 1921 Old Chambers burned to the ground. Despite the erroneous idea, which was rather widespread, that… Continue Reading
Dana Science Laboratory
Dates: Groundbreaking October 2, 1958. Dedication April 7, 1960. Third floor renovated at the Porter Natural History Museum. Building renovated 1974. Building renovated 1999. In 1998, the Watson Life Sciences Building was constructed. Jointly Dana and Watson make up the Baker-Watt Science Complex. Quote: The new building, which will be architecturally harmonious with other structures… Continue Reading
Elm Row
Dates: Elm Row was built in 1836-1837 as a dormitory to house 16 students. Two roomswere remodeled in 1885 to serve as an infirmary. In the 1890s, rooms were used by fraternities. In the 1940s, Elm Row housed the Davidsonian LINK offices and in the 1950s, the Music Department. Elm Row was moved from its… Continue Reading
Erwin Lodge
Dates: Built in 1945-46 as a memorial to two brothers killed in WWII. Quote: “Erwin Lodge has been built because it is the one memorial, and the most ideal one, which could be decided upon to fit both the late Erwin brothers’ interests and personalities. Phifer found his sphere of interest in the scientific field,… Continue Reading
Eumenean Hall
Dates: Built in 1849 and dedicated in November 1849. Restored in 1956. Placed on National Historic Register in 1972. Named Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Site in 1976. Quote: Specifications and Contract for building a Society Hall at Davidson College Mecklenburg County N.C. House to be fifty seven feet long and thirty two wide; lower story two… Continue Reading
Davidson College Presbyterian Church
The Davidson College Presbyterian Church, originally constructed in 1885 (left) was razed in 1950 to make way for the present building (right) completed in 1952. Dates: Brick building constructed in 1885. Building remodeled in 1903-1904. Building enlarged in 1923. Building demolished in 1950. Present building constructed 1950 to 1952. Building dedicated on June 1, 1952.… Continue Reading
Georgia Dormitory
Dates: Built in 1909. Demolished in 1956. Quote: At the time of its [Georgia’s] construction, Rumple and Watts were the only suitable dormitories on the campus and were entirely inadequate for the college needs. The Synod of Georgia launched a campaign and raised the money for its construction. At the time of its building it… Continue Reading
Glasgow House
Dates: Built in 1948. Remodeled as faculty and staff offices in 1988. Named Glasgow House in 1992 by Institutional Advancement staff. Quote: Last summer a four apartment dwelling was erected on College property at a cost of approximately $45,000. Three of the apartments are occupied by professors and their families, and one of them by… Continue Reading
Grey House
Dates: Built in 1850s. Acquired by College in 1859 and used as faculty housing. Professor W.R. Grey lived in the house from 1895 until his death His widow stayed on in the house until 1953. Remodeled in 1971 to serve as a dormitory for women students participating in an exchange program. Served as a dormitory… Continue Reading
Duke Dormitory
Dates: Built in 1939 Quote: This Dormitory incorporates many features new to the Davidson campus. Unlike the other dormitories, Duke has single rooms, double rooms, and suites. It has overhead lighting fixtures, wall brackets with plug-in outlets over the lavatories and baseboard outlets in every room. “Duke Is Opened At Last.” Davidsonian. 28 September 1939:1.… Continue Reading
Jackson Court
Dates: Built in 1928. Court named in honor of F.L. Jackson in 1960 and converted to residential and office use. Quote: I am glad to reply to your inquiry about our fraternity lodges. You will understand that within these lodges we do not have dormitory facilities or eating facilities. Eleven houses are built in… Continue Reading
Harding House
Dates: Built in 1890. Acquired by College in 1960. Student housing from 1977 to 1987. Remodeled for Financial Aid Office in 1994. Quote: We recommend that the Board order the tearing down of the present “Danville House,” and the erection upon the site thereof a new residence for the use of Prof. Harding, at a… Continue Reading
Student Health Center
Dates: Built in 1880s. Kappa Alpha chapter house, 1922-1927. Acquired by College in 1946 and remodeled as student health center in 1991-92. Quote: The 1,700-square-foot Potts house, built in the 1880s and added onto in the 1920s, faces Main Street. Overcash-Demmitt Architects designed plans to add about 2,500 square feet, with an expansion in back… Continue Reading
Johnston House
Dates: Built circa 1883. Acquired by College in 1961. Student Housing, 1977-1987. Building remodeled for administrative offices in 1992. Quote: As a second grade teacher, she [Julia Johnston] was greatly beloved by all of the children. However, I hated going to her home on Saturday morning to recite the shorter catechism. Remember Davidson was a… Continue Reading
Knobloch Campus Center
Dates: Cornerstone placed November 5, 1948. Dedicated on October 22, 1949 as Charles Johnston Gymnasium. Last basketball game played in gymnasium, February 25, 1989. Remodeled into new Knobloch Campus Center 2000-2001. Alverez Student Union dedicated October 25, 2001; Duke Family Performance Hall dedicated February 23, 2002. Quote: Davidson closed Johnston Gym to college basketball in… Continue Reading
Carnegie Guest House
Dates: Built in 1910. Dedicated September 12,1910. Remodeled in 1921 to house college offices in the basement. Remodeled in 1941 as guest house and headquarters of the YMCA. Library books moved to new Grey Library Building. Student Union from 1972 to 1975. Remodeled in 1976 as Carnegie Guest House. Quote: Most things are good or… Continue Reading
Knox Hall
Dates: Groundbreaking ceremony April 24, 1980. Hall first occupied in September 1981. Quote: Director of Housing Bill Bolding said the new dorms will “pretty much take care of the housing shortage for men, but we could still use a few more rooms for women.” . . . Knox houses only men and Irwin is coed… Continue Reading
Lula Bell Houston Laundry
Dates: Built in 1919. Quote: Davidson initiated its mandatory laundry service in the 1919-1920 academic year, “for hygenic and other reasons” at a cost of $2 per month.” “The Davidson Laundry: Keeping the Student Body Clean” Davidson Journal. Spring 2003, p 20. Named for: Lula Bell Houston, laundry employee for 57 years, upon her retirement… Continue Reading
Little Hall
Dates: Built in 1956 on the site of Rumple Dormitory (1903-1955). Dedicated on November 1, 1957. Quote: As a climax to the [Commencement] exercises, Dr. Cunningham announced that a new college dormitory would bear the name of Mr. Little, who is a member of the college’s Board of Visitors and has been a leader in… Continue Reading
Lingle Manor
Dates: Built in the 1870s. Miss Lucy Jurney’s School for Boys and Girls” in the early 1880s. Purchased by Leonidas Glasgow in 1886. Purchased by Lingle Family in 1939. Given to Davidson College in 1961. Student activity center from 1962 to 1967. Art Department and Black Student Coalition building in the 1970s. Remodeled as student… Continue Reading
Morrison Hall
Dates: Built in 1890. Demolished in 1945. Quote: During its 55 years of service parts of Morrison hall have at one time or another served as a Y.M.C.A., a study hall, a gymnasium, a skating rink, a lecture hall, a dormitory, class rooms, a biological laboratory, R.O.T.C. Armory and storerooms, and more recently has housed… Continue Reading
Martin Court
Dates: Three buildings, including Hart (dedicated 1994) and Jamison Halls, were constructed in 1988. Ryburn Hall (dedicated 1994) and Flowe Hall (dedicated 1994) were constructed in 1991. A sixth “F” building was constructed in 1995. The complex of apartments was dedicated as D. Grier Martin Court on October 26, 1990. Quote: Apartment-style buildings have proven… Continue Reading
Little Library
Dates: Built in 1972-1974. Dedicated on September 27, 1974. Quote: The E. H. Little Library, planned for the future, has many links with the past. The literary societies, which had assembled the first libraries at Davidson as early as the 1830’s, were memorialized with handsome insignia at either end of the loggia. The Peter Stuart… Continue Reading
Martin Chemical Laboratory New
Martin Chemical Building 2015 Dates: Built in 1941-1944. Dedicated April 14, 1944. Remodeled in 1960. Renovated in 1978. Rededicated Martin Chemical Laboratory in 1980. Renovated in 1997. Quote: The big lecture room in the middle of the ground floor of Martin Chemistry Building looked for all the world like a low-budget poolhall in late July.… Continue Reading
Martin Chemical Laboratory Old
Dates: Built in 1899-1901. Demolished in 1940. Quote: The Science Hall is at last an assured fact. Plans for the building have been adopted by the Trustees. It is to be very complete and convenient and will contain an elegant room for the display of natural history. The building will cost $15,000, and one generous… Continue Reading
Mary Irwin Belk Hall
Dates: Groundbreaking ceremony April 24, 1980. Hall first occupied in September 1981. Quote: The new room feature a modular furniture system which allows many different room arrangements, including several types of lofts. Students build lofts by stacking their beds on any two of the other furniture pieces: the closet, bureau-and-shelf, or desk-and-shelf. Mann, Jeffrey. “Knox… Continue Reading
Cunningham, John R. – Presidential Portrait
Reverend John Rood Cunningham President, 1941-1957 Artist: Mr. Henry Rood, Jr. Year Created: 1952 Caption: Reverend John Rood Cunningham, D.D., LL.D. President of Davidson College, 1941-1957 Donated By: Unknown Location: E.H. Little Library Dimensions: 37″x47″ Encyclopedia Entry Page created by Mark Grotjohn. Email at magrotjohn@gmail.com Continue Reading
Hepburn, Andrew D. Presidential Portrait
Reverend Andrew Dousa Hepburn President, 1877-1885 Artist: Unknown Year Created: Unknown Caption: Rev. Andrew D. Hepburn, D.D., LL.D. Born 1830 Died 1919 President of Davidson College 1877-1885 Donated By: Unknown Location: E.H. Little Library Dimensions: 23″x27″ Encyclopedia Entry Page created by Mark Grotjohn. Email at magrotjohn@gmail.com Continue Reading
Kirkpatrick, John L. – Presidential Portrait
Reverend John Lycan Kirkpatrick President, 1860-1866 Artist: Mrs. Lucie Baxter Dulin Year Created: Unknown Caption: Rev. John Lycan Kirkpatrick, D.D. President of Davidson College 1860-1866 Donated By: Rev. Thomas H. Spence, Jr. Class of 1920 Great-grandson of President Kirkpatrick Location: E.H. Little Library Dimensions: 30″x36″ Encyclopedia Entry Page created by Mark Grotjohn. Email at magrotjohn@gmail.com Continue Reading
Kuykendall, John W. – Presidential Portrait
Professor John Wells Kuykendall President, 1984-1997 Artist: John Howard Sanden Year Created: 1996 Caption: John Wells Kuykendall Class of 1959 A.B., B.D., S.T.M., M.A., Ph.D. President of Davidson College 1984-1997 Donated By: Board of Trustees Davidson College Location: E.H. Little Library Dimensions: 52″x61″ Encyclopedia Entry Page created by Mark Grotjohn. Email at magrotjohn@gmail.com Continue Reading
Lacy, Drury – Presidential Portrait
Reverend Drury Lacy President, 1855-1860 Artist: Mr. J. Bentz Copy of original by Mr. Garl Brown Year Created: 1900’s Caption: Rev. Drury Lacy, D.D. Born 1802 Died 1884 President of Davidson College 1855-1860 Donated By: Lacy family Location: E.H. Little Library Dimensions: 31″x36″ Encyclopedia Entry Page created by Mark Grotjohn. Email at magrotjohn@gmail.com Continue Reading
Martin, D. Grier – Presidential Portrait
David Grier Martin President, 1958-1968 Artist: Mr. Charles J. Fox Year Created: 1970 Caption: David Grier Martin Treasurer of Davidson College 1951-1958 President of Davidson College 1958-1968 Donated By: Mr. Charles Myers And the Class of 1969 Location: E.H. Little Library Dimensions: 38″x48″ Encyclopedia Entry Page created by Mark Grotjohn. Email at magrotjohn@gmail.com Continue Reading
Martin, , William Joseph, Jr. – Presidential Portrait
Professor William Joseph Martin, Jr. President, 1912-1929 Artist: Mr. F. C. Van Hausen Year Created: 1934 Caption: Prof. William Joseph Martin, Ph.D., M.D., LL.D. Born 1868 Died 1943 President of Davidson College 1912-1929 Donated By: Unknown Location: E.H. Little Library Dimensions: 30″x36″ Encyclopedia Entry Page created by Mark Grotjohn. Email at magrotjohn@gmail.com Continue Reading
McKinnon, Luther – Presidential Portrait
Reverend Luther McKinnon President, 1885-1888 Artist: Unknown Year Created: Unknown Caption: Rev. Luther McKinnon, D.D., Born 1840 Died 1916 President of Davidson College 1885-1888 Donated By: Unknown Location: E.H. Little Library Dimensions: 29″x33″ Encyclopedia Entry Page created by Mark Grotjohn. Email at magrotjohn@gmail.com Continue Reading
McPhail, George W. – Presidential Portrait
Reverend George Wilson McPhail President, 1866-1871 Artist: Unknown Year Created: Unknown Caption: Rev. George Wilson McPhail, D.D., LL.D. Born 1815 Died 1871 President of Davidson College 1866-1871 Donated By: Unknown Location: E.H. Little Library Dimensions: 29″x33″ Encyclopedia Entry Page created by Mark Grotjohn. Email at magrotjohn@gmail.com Continue Reading
Morrison, Robert Hall – Presidential Portrait
Reverend Robert Hall Morrison President, 1836-1840 Artist: Mrs. Laura Morrison Brown Year Created: 1891 Caption: Rev. Robert Hall Morrison, D.D. Born 1798 Died 1889 President of Davidson College 1836-1840 Donated By: Unknown Location: E.H. Little Library Dimensions: 33″x38″ Encyclopedia Entry Page created by Mark Grotjohn. Email at magrotjohn@gmail.com Continue Reading
Shearer, John Bunyan – Presidential Portrait
Reverend John Bunyan Shearer President, 1888-1901 Artist: Unknown Year Created: Unknown Caption: Rev. John Bunyan Shearer, D.D., LL.D. Born 1832 Died 1919 President of Davidson College 1888-1901 Donated By: Mrs. W. C. Copeland, June 12, 1975 Location: E.H. Little Library Dimensions: 31″x36″ Encyclopedia Entry Page created by Mark Grotjohn. Email at magrotjohn@gmail.com Continue Reading
Smith, Henry Louis – Presidential Portrait
Professor Henry Louis Smith President, 1901-1912 Artist: Mr. Lloyd Freeman Year Created: 1928 Caption: Prof. Henry Louis Smith, Ph.D., LL.D. Born 1862 Died 1951 President of Davidson College 1901-1912 Donated By: Mrs. L. Richardson Sister of President Smith Location: E.H. Little Library Dimensions: 39″x45″ Encyclopedia Entry Page created by Mark Grotjohn. Email at magrotjohn@gmail.com Continue Reading
Lingle, Walter L. – Presidential Portrait
Reverend Walter Lee Lingle President, 1929-1941 Artist: T. Currie-Bell Year Created: 1934 Caption: Reverend Walter Lee Lingle, D.D., LL.D. Born 1868 Died 1956 President of the Board of Trustees, 1906-1929 President of Davidson College, 1929-1941 Donated By: Walter Lee Lingle Location: E.H. Little Library Dimensions: 36″x46″ Encyclopedia Entry Page created by Mark Grotjohn. Email at… Continue Reading
Spencer, Samuel R. – Presidential Portrait
Professor Samuel Reid Spencer, Jr. President, 1968-1983 Artist: Mr. Robert Bruce Williams Year Created: 1982 Caption: Samuel Reid Spencer, Jr. A.B., M.A., Ph.D., LL.D. Class of 1940 President of Davidson College 1968-1983 Donated By: Board of Trustees Davidson College Location: E.H. Little Library Dimensions: 43″x55″ Encyclopedia Entry Page created by Mark Grotjohn. Email at magrotjohn@gmail.com Continue Reading
Vagt, Robert Fredrick – Presidential Portrait
Robert “Bobby” Fredrick Vagt President, 1997-2007 Artist: Mr. Ned Bittenger Year Created: 2007 Caption: Robert Fredrick Vagt Class of 1969 B.A., M.Div., L.H.D., LL.D. President of Davidson College 1997-2007 Donated By: Board of Trustees Davidson College Location: E.H. Little Library Dimensions: 38″x46″ Encyclopedia Entry Page created by Mark Grotjohn. Email at magrotjohn@gmail.com Continue Reading
Williamson, Samuel – Presidential Portrait
Reverend Samuel Williamson President, 1841-1854 Artist: Mr. John F. G. Mittag Year Created: 1842 Caption: Rev. Samuel Williamson, D.D. Born 1796 Died 1882President of Davidson College 1841-1854 Donated By: Philanthropic Society Davidson College Location: E.H. Little Library Dimensions: 31″x36″ Encyclopedia Entry Page created by Mark Grotjohn. Email at magrotjohn@gmail.com Continue Reading
Davidson College Campus Buildings
The Davidson College campus has changed over the years from the original collection of dormitories, houses, and Chapel gathered around the D. At the turn of the twentieth century, the campus holds more than sixty buildings. Below you will find an interactive map and a list of current and historical buildings. Click on the building… Continue Reading
Akers Hall
Dates: Built in 1984. Became first co-ed residence hall in 1995. Quote: After almost a year of heated debate, Davidson is gets its first taste of co-ed living in in sophomore housing. The first floor of Akers Residence Hall, settled beneath the trees in what is typically referred to as “Sophomore Nation,” is the site… Continue Reading
Jackson, Thomas (Stonewall)
General Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson (b. 1824 d. 1863) was a Civil War general in the Confederate Army under Robert E. Lee. He started his career as a professor at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA where he married Eleanor Junkin the daughter of Washington College (now Washington & Lee University) president Dr. George… Continue Reading
Hill, Daniel Harvey
General Daniel Harvey “D.H” Hill (b. 1821 d. 1889) served as the Davidson College Department of Mathematics Chair from 1854-1859, where he published a textbook called Elements of Algebra in 1859. Prior to that he was also a Mathematics Professor at Washington College (now Washington & Lee University) from 1849-1854. In 1848 General Hill married… Continue Reading
Reading Room Rules
Researchers must sign in for each visit. Only note papers and research materials are permitted at work tables (Brief cases, backpacks, coats, and other items must be left in the designated area.) Smoking, eating and drinking (including water bottles) are not permitted in the Reading Room. Only pencils may be used when working with original… Continue Reading
Donating Materials
The Davidson College Archives welcomes donations that are related to the College and the town of Davidson, or are relevant to the College’s curriculum. Of special value to the Archives are Davidson College publications, records of Davidson College student and faculty organizations and committees, office records, diaries, faculty publications, class notebooks, and photographs. In addition,… Continue Reading
Reproduction Policy
Although the majority of the photographs in the Davidson College Archives were produced by the college, the Archives does not hold copyright on all photographs in the collection. The Archives, for example, does not hold copyright on any donated photographs. Researchers are responsible for obtaining the appropriate permission and are responsible for conforming with the… Continue Reading
Rusk Eating House – Presidents
Back to Encyclopedia Entry Know a president not listed here? Please let us know! Eating Houses – Rusk Presidents 1980-1981 Sally Neal 1981-1982 Shannon Walters 1982-1983 Sherri Lind 1983-1984 Unknown 1984-1985 Paige Marsh 1985-1986 Lisa McNeilly 1986-1987 Fran Houck 1987-1988 Gretchen Schoel 1988-1989 Eileen Keeley 1989-1990 Lisa Howe 1990-1991 Cheryl Bauerla 1991-1992 Annie Adams 1992-1993… Continue Reading
Basketball
Men’s Basketball | Women’s Basketball Men’s Basketball 1909 Basketball Team (Quips & Cranks 1909) Early men’s basketball at Davidson was almost entirely student run. Before intercollegiate basketball became popular, most games occurred between students with the seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen fielding teams and competing for a school championship. In the year 1907, Davidson basketball… Continue Reading
Arboretum
View of Campus with tree lined paths [1920] This 65-year old oak, the largest tree on the Davidson campus, fell during an ice storm on January 20, 1978. The story of the Davidson College arboretum begins in 1855, when “a few ladies of Davidson College” proposed landscape remodeling in a letter to the Board of… Continue Reading
Yowl
The original Yowl, the May 1935 issue pictured here, was published only 8 years before becoming Scripts ‘N Pranks. Created in 1930, the year after the demise of The Chameleon (the previous, student-run, literary magazine), the first issue of The Yowl appeared in November and cost only thirty-five cents per issue. In fact, the delayed… Continue Reading
Morrison Hall – YMCA
The YMCA serves more than 30 million people in over 120 countries worldwide. When most people think of the YMCA, they think of fitness, spiritual enrichment, and family fun. In fact, YMCA’s are the biggest non-profit community service organizations in the USA (YMCA.net). Seldom do people equate a good college education with YMCA activity; however,… Continue Reading
X-Rays
The first X-ray taken at Davidson College by Eben Hardin, Pender Porter, and Osmond L. Barringer. [1896] 14-0031 In January 1896, Dr. Henry Louis Smith, a physics professor at Davidson Colllege, read about Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen’s discovery of x-rays in an associated press bulletin. He realized that Davidson College possessed the right equipment to repeat… Continue Reading
Women’s Athletics
Division III National Women’s Tennis Champs [1984] The story of women’s athletics at Davidson begins with the 1972 formation of an intramural swim team. No large advances were made in women’s athletics until 1982, when women began to participate in Southern Conference play. However, only four sports — tennis, basketball, field hockey, and swimming —… Continue Reading
Women’s Basketball Pictures
The 1978-79 women’s basketball team plays in Johnston Gym. Donna Sherrill ’77 takes a shot over an opponent during the 1974-75 season. 1974-75 Women’s Basketball Team: Coaches Joe Duncan, Charlie Slagle and Ken Schmader; Katherine Morton, Renee Soos, Nancy Matheny, Donna Sherrill, Beth Tanner, Nora McNeill, Audrey Urbano, Bonnie Caulkins, Carol Folger, Becca Stimson, Dea… Continue Reading
Women’s Basketball Coaches
Coach Years No. of Years Wins Losses Pecentage Ann Holland 1973-74 1 8 3 .727 Charlie Slagle, Joe Duncan, Ken Schmader 1974-75 1 10 7 .588 Rosa Lee Janero 1975-76 1 4 13 .235 Susan Roberts 1976-80 4 26 48 .351 Deirdre A. Mayes 1980-83 3 18 47 .277 Patricia A. Daley 1983-86 3 13… Continue Reading
Davidson, General William Lee
Davidson College was named in honor of General William Lee Davidson, a local Revolutionary War hero who died at the battle of Cowan’s Ford in 1781. His son, William Lee Davidson II, provided the initial acreage for the college. Timeline for William Lee Davidson 1740 – George Davidson, William Lee’s father, moves his family from… Continue Reading
Wilson, Woodrow – Pamphlet
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Wilson Woodrow – Bulletin
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Wilson, Woodrow
“Woodrow Wilson at Davidson” pamphlet Davidson College Bulletin (15 Dec 1933) – Woodrow Wilson and Davidson John Mallard ’18 painted this portrait of Wilson on the gable of Old Chambers when Wilson won re-election. [1916] 9-0161 Admiring Davidson as an institution devoted to Presbyterianism, moral character, and academic primacy, Joseph Ruggles Wilson deemed Davidson a… Continue Reading
Williamson, Samuel
(b.1795 d. 1882) Reverend Samuel Williamson, D.D. came to Davidson in 1839, joining the faculty as professor of mathematics and natural philosophy. Having been an outstanding scholar at the University of South Carolina and South Carolina College, Williamson became minister before accepting the Davidson professorship. Within two years of serving the college as faculty member,… Continue Reading
Wildcat Prank
“Oldtimer Recalls Wildcat’s Origin.” Davidsonian. 8 February 1952. Wildcat Mascot Davidsoniana file. Davidson College Archives, Davidson, NC. Back to Encyclopedia Entry Continue Reading
Wildcat – Memorabilia
Quips and Cranks cover [1926] Quips and Cranks cover page [1926] Decal [unknown] A-020c Decal [unknown] A-290 Decal [unknown] A-022b Decal [unknown] A-022a Pamphlet for a Wildcat painting by Ralph J. McDonald Wildcat Mascot Davidsoniana File Decal [unknown] A-029d Decal [unknown] A-288 Decal [unknown] A-024 Decal [unknown] A-025 Decal [2010] Back to Encyclopedia Entry Continue Reading
Wildcat – Live Mascots
Our Wildcat pondering his domain. [1920s] 4-0836 Min or Tom snarls for the camera. [1928] 1928 Quips and Cranks p28 Min and Tom catching a nap. [circa 1928] 4-0201 Back to Encyclopedia Entry Continue Reading
Wildcat – Logos by Decade
1920s 1920 Quips and Cranks p136 1930s 1932 Quips and Cranks p143 1940s Wildcat Mascot Davidsoniana File 1950s Wildcat Mascot Davidsoniana File 1960s Wildcat Mascot Davidsoniana File 1970s Wildcat Mascot Davidsoniana File 1980s Wildcat Mascot Davidsoniana File 1990s Wildcat Mascot Davidsoniana File 2010s Wildcat Mascot Davidsoniana File Back to Encyclopedia Entry Continue Reading
Wildcat – Costume
The Wildcat helps the cheerleaders rally the crowd at Richardson Stadium. [unknown] 4-0180 The Wildcat greets children at Richardson Stadium. [circa 1960-70s] 4-0187 The Wildcat and cheerleading squad. [1969] 4-0801 The Wildcat in Baker Sports Center. [circa 1980-90s] 4-0895 The Wildcat plays with children over Homecoming at Richardson Stadium [1984] 2-0213 The Wildcat in Johnston… Continue Reading
Wildcat
“[Many] schools call themselves Wildcats and I am very sorry for there ought to be just one school by the name of Wildcat and that is that little Calvinistic, Presbyterian, fire eating, Bluestocking, Covenanter, dissenting Scotch-Irish school down in the wilds of upper Mecklenburg County.” – Henry T. Lilly ’18 Origins of the Name For… Continue Reading
Wells – Poem
The College Well – A Poem “The Old College Well.” Davidson College. Quips and Cranks. Davidson: Davidson College, 1921: 144. Back to Encyclopedia Entry Continue Reading
Wells
The Well in the snow. (Before the installation of the marble drinking fountain.) [c. 1916] Photograph by Walter A. Johnson 30-0571 “It’s queer the many things they tell About our deal old college well; No aged man could ever glean The knowledge of things that it has seen.” – 1921 Quips and Cranks In the… Continue Reading
Freshman Regulations
Freshman Regulation Posters 1925 1925 (back) 1933 1940 1948 1958 Continue Reading
Wildcat Handbook Covers
1896 1910 1916 1920 1922 1923 1926 1930 1934 1939 1941 1944 1948 1950 1954 1961 1966 1969 1972 1974 1979 1981 1988 1992 1994 Class of 2000 Class of 2001 Class of 2002 Class of 2003 Class of 2004 Class of 2005 Class of 2006 Class of 2007 Back to Encyclopedia Entry Continue Reading
Wildcat Handbook
Class of 1900 Class of 2007 More Covers Wildcat Handbook & Freshman Regulations Begining in 1896, the Freshman Handbook was printed and designed by the Y.M.C.A of Davidson College. It contained all “valuable” information needed by the new freshmen including descriptions of the student organizations, academic calendars, sports informaton and class yells. In addition, it… Continue Reading
War College
Aviation Cadets | Army Reserve (ASTRP) “[The bombing of Pearl Harbor] was the end of an era; nothing would ever be the same again…It has been said that anyone old enough to remember Pearl harbor remembers exactly where he was on that fateful Sunday. For me, the place was the Davidson campus. It was a… Continue Reading
Vail Commons – History
Vail Commons is Davidson College’s largest dining facilty. There had been three previous dining halls (Steward’s Hall, Chambers Gallery, and a cafeteria in Ovens Student Union), but Vail Commons was the largest and was intended to be more upscale then the previous facilities. The south side of Vail Commons. 9-3427 “The interior of the Commons… Continue Reading
Vagt, Robert Fredrick
(b. 1947) Robert Fredrick (Bobby) Vagt began his post as Davidson’s 16th president on July 1, 1997. A Davidson College graduate of the class of 1969, Vagt also graduated from Duke Divinity School and was ordained by Concord Presbytery. He served as director of clinical programs in the Northwest Alabama Mental Health Center before becoming… Continue Reading
Visual Arts Center
Katherine and Tom Belk in the Atrium of the VAC. The Katherine and Tom Belk Visual Arts Center (VAC) is located at the corner of Griffith Street and Main Street. Situated at the entrance of Davidson College, it is the first thing most people see when coming to the campus off of Interstate 77. Originally,… Continue Reading
Varsity Athletics
Though Davidson College is best known for outstanding academics, it also has a strong varsity athletics program. A member of the NCAA since 1920, Davidson has eleven men’s sports and ten women’s sports and is a member of the Southern Conference (Storey). Although consisting of only about 1600 students, Davidson participates on the Division I… Continue Reading
Clark, Tom
History Dr. Thomas Fetzer Clark a native of Elizabethtown, North Carolina, graduated from Davidson College in 1949 with a degree in English. He continued his education receiving a Bachelor’s in Divinity from Union Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in Theology from University of Aberdeen in Scotland. He also trained in sculpture at Roberts School of… Continue Reading
Theatre
“The Senior Class having asked permission to give a play at Commencement, the faculty replied that they were coming to the conclusion that for a college under the direct control of the church amateur theatricals are hardly advisable as a form of entertainment…” – [Faculty Minutes, 29 March 1898] “It may be of interest to… Continue Reading
Student Body Presidents
Back to Encyclopedia Entry Student Body Presidents * indicates later became President of Davidson College Davidson College President Thomas Ross (R) talks 2006-7 SGA President Mac Skelton (L). [29 March 2007] 25-0232 Year President 2017-18 Alex Soltany 2016-17 Ben Callinder / Dara Ferguson 2015-16 Pablo Zevallos 2014-15 Zi Yang 2013-14 Chris Ragsdale 2012-13 Billy Hackenson… Continue Reading
Student Government at Davidson
Student Body Presidents “You are obligated as a Davidson student to govern yourself in accordance with the Davidson tradition. You are obligated to the future also; for the sake of the men who come after you, keep the tradition of student government strong, improve on it, leave it in even finer shape for the next… Continue Reading
Spencer, Samuel Reid, Jr.
(b. 1919) The first president of the Davidson student body to become president of the college was Samuel Reid Spencer, Jr., class of 1940. After graduating summa cum laude from Davidson College, Dr. Spencer, LL.D. served in the U.S. Army during 1940-1945 and was released from active duty as a major. He entered Harvard University… Continue Reading
Soccer
Davidson College soccer started well before its first varsity season; sons of foreign missionaries in East Asia brought soccer, to them football, to Davidson, beginning a lasting tradition. In 1935, the recorded beginning of the sport, students played pick-up games. The college provided balls and shabby uniforms, but left players to find cleats and other… Continue Reading
Smith, Henry Louis
(b. 1859 d. 1951) Henry Louis Smith, D.D. was Davidson’s first president who was not a Presbyterian minister. A native of Greensboro, North Carolina, Smith graduated from Davidson College in 1881. After receiving advanced degrees from the University of Virginia, he returned to Davidson in 1887 as a professor of physics and was elected president… Continue Reading
Ships – WW II
U.S.S. William Lee Davidson | U.S.S. Davidson | U.S.S. Neal A. Scott | U.S.S. Hunter Marshall Four ships in service during the second World War were named after Davidson College, founders, or alumni. The U.S.S. William Lee Davidson at sea. 14-0018 U.S.S. William Lee Davidson The U.S.S. William Lee Davidson was a liberty class ship… Continue Reading
Shearer, John Bunyan
(b. 1832 d. 1918) John Bunyan Shearer was educated at Hampden-Sydney College, the University of Virginia, and Union Theological Seminary. When elected president of the college in 1888, Shearer brought to Davidson a vast array of experience in teaching and pastoral work. While following the practice of teaching classes in addition to being president, Shearer… Continue Reading
Senior and Sophomore Apartments
May these structures serve as a retreat and refuge, places to gather in goodwill, havens for study and learning; sites where friendships may flourish. Amen -“Litany of Thanksgiving and Dedication” from the Dedication Ceremony September 23, 1994 For most first year students the transition from living at home to living in a dorm is an… Continue Reading
Rusk Eating House
“R-U-S-K Huskie Ruskies all the way, Number one we’re lots of fun, Throw it back until it’s done, R-U-S-K party hardy everyday, Hot damn body slam, WE LOVE RUSK!” – Rusk Cheer (Quips and Cranks, 2005) The first all-female house on Patterson Court, Rusk Eating House helped pave the way for the modern court. Rusk… Continue Reading
Ross, Thomas Warren
(b. 1950) Thomas Warren Ross, Sr. began his post as Davidson’s 17th president on August 1, 2007. A Davidson College graduate of the class of 1972, Ross attended law school at the Univsersity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating with honors. For 17 years, he served as a North Carolina Superior Court judge, appointed… Continue Reading
Residence Life
Guitars, acoustic or electric, screaming voices of rowdy freshman sick of Calculus 130, section 5.4, and Play station blaring Tiger Woods Golf on the TV screen in front of two dazed roommates. Today, students lounge around their rooms enjoying the luxuries of air conditioning, refrigerators, microwaves, TVs, and petit bathrooms tucked away in the corner… Continue Reading
Quips and Cranks Editors
Quips and Cranks staff. [1898] 26-001 Year Editor 2016 Mariah Clarke Hayley Atkins 2015 Kendra Smith 2014 Kendra Smith 2013 Hannah Frail Kendra Smith 2012 Katie Burwick Hannah Frail 2011 Kali Blevins 2010 Lindsey Graf Kali Blevins 2009 Lindsey Graf 2008 Lindsey Graf Elizabeth Krebs 2007 Graham Jaenicke Kara Hawkesworth 2006 Jay Henderlite Katie Greeson… Continue Reading
Quips and Cranks Dedication
Year Dedication 2010 Ruth French 2009 No dedication 2008 No dedication 2007 Bobby Vagt 2006 Leland Park, 3rd Director of the Library 2005 Chambers Building 2004 The Outpost 2003 Bill Giduz, College Communications 2002 William Brown, Alavarez College Union Director 2001 Bill Giduz, College Communications 2000 In Memory of Chris 1999 Nick Dancik, Class of… Continue Reading
Quips and Cranks
View Yearbooks Online Quips and Cranks Editors | Quips and Cranks Dedications The business staff admires a new Quips and Cranks. [1947] 27-1552 “But what is an annual, some may ask? Briefly, it is a photographic and historical summary of college life. It contains histories of the several classes, clubs and Greek letter societies, a… Continue Reading
Presidents of Davidson College
Reverend Robert Hall Morrison (b. 1798 d. 1889) President 1836-1840 Reverend Samuel Williamson (b.1795 d. 1882) President 1841-1854 Reverend Drury Lacy (b. 1802 d. 1884) President 1855-1860 Reverend John Lycan Kirkpatrick (b. 1813 d. 1885) President 1860-1866 Reverend George Wilson McPhail (b. 1815 d. 1871) President 1866-1871 Professor John Rennie Blake (b. 1825 d. 1900)… Continue Reading
President’s House
Dates: Built in 1836-37. Remodeled in 1860, 1884, 1941, 1959, 1998. The President’s House was constructed for the first president of Davidson College, President Robert Hall Morrison. President Morrison welcomed the students of Davidson College into his home on March 12, 1837 (Davidson 7). The house was a simple two-story house resembling a farmhouse that measured 22… Continue Reading
Physics Department
In the original curriculum of the college, astronomy was included as a required course for the junior year. The college elected its first physics professor, Clement Daniel Fishburne, on August 23, 1854 and appointed him Chair of Natural Philosophy and Astronomy. By 1900, the number of course offerings in physics had expanded to four, and… Continue Reading
Philosophy Department
Philosophy courses have been taught at Davidson since at least 1900, but there was no official department until 1946. Before 1946, courses were covered mainly by members of the Bible department. Philosophy was always listed in a separate department, but no professors were hired to only teach philosophy. In the late 1920s, a philosophy club… Continue Reading
Phi Beta Kappa
Original members of the Phi Beta Kappa The Gamma Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa was established at Davidson College in 1923. The chapter was an outgrowth of the Mimir Society, a local society for the recognition of attainment in scholarship which had been organized May 24, 1915, under the direction of Dr. Joseph Moore McConnell,… Continue Reading
Phi Beta Kappa – Original Student Members
Original Student Members of Phi Beta Kappa 75th Anniversary, 1923-1998 Robert Franklin Davidson (1902-1985) Born in Chester, South Carolina to Z. V. and Kate Gaston Davidson, Robert Franklin Davidson attended Davidson College where he was Salutatorian of the Class of 1923 and was the first student initiated into the Davidson chapter of Phi Beta Kappa… Continue Reading
Patterson Court Occupants by Type
A live band at a Patterson Court party [c. 1971] 27-1474 Co-ed Eating houses: Bailey House 1971-1984 Richards House 1971-1984 Rusk House 1971-1977 Fannie & Mable 1971-1985 Random House 1971-1973 Emanon 1971-1990 PAX 1971-1990 ATO “Apple-Turn-Over” 1971-1983 Et Cetera 1974-1985 CoHo 2000-2006 Female Eating houses: Rusk 1977- Warner 1982- Spencer 1985-1992 Connor… Continue Reading
Patterson Court Occupants By Location
Back to Encyclopedia Entry The houses are numbered 1-12 clockwise beginning with the house on the south-west corner. The 1998 house (across the street) is number 13. Patterson Court [2007] Pi Kappa Alpha (1958- 2010) Multicultural House (2010-2016 ) Spencer-Weinstein Center for Community and Justice (2016-) Sigma Nu (1958-1971) Random House (1971-1973) Et Cetera (1974-1985)… Continue Reading
Patterson Court – History
Patterson Court Occupants by Type | Patterson Court Occupants by Location Patterson Court [2007] “Each of the fraternities will have a separate house, and are scheduled for use in the fall of 1958. ‘We hope that the new court,’ he [D. Grier Martin] said, ‘will be as pioneering and modern in the fraternity housing field… Continue Reading
Sayyid, Omar Ibn – Restored Bible Pages
The restored Arabic cover page to Omar Ibn Sayyid’s Bible. DC0211s-5 The restored English cover page to Omar Ibn Sayyid’s Bible. DC0211s-4 Back to Encyclopedia Entry Continue Reading
Sayyid, Omar Ibn – Manuscripts
The Lord’s Prayer translated into Arabic by Omar Ibn Sayyid. DC0211s-1 Another example of The Lord’s Prayer translated into Arabic by Omar Ibn Sayyid, this time with a salute to Mohammed. DC0211s-2 Back to Encyclopedia Entry Continue Reading
Sayyid, Omar Ibn
16-0124 Omar Ibn Sayyid Also known as: Umar Ibn Said, Umeroh, Moro, Omora, Meroh, Moreau, Uncle Moreau. (b. circa 1770, d. 1864) Great academic interest and legend surround the life of Omar Ibn Sayyid, a Muslim African slave who lived in the southern states in the early 1800s. He was likely the most educated slave… Continue Reading
Oak and Elm Rows
Elm Row [1883] DC 9-0544 It’s October 2003 at Davidson College. At any dorm location on campus, one can find plenty of jovial students laughing and chatting over the hum of the electric heating systems and the rush of water from the shower stalls just down the hall. Laptops are plugged in for students roaming… Continue Reading
Ney, Peter Stuart
Peter Stuart Ney was a schoolteacher in the Carolinas during the nineteenth century. He reportedly came to America aboard a ship from France. This ship landed in the harbor of Charleston, South Carolina, in 1818. After a number of moves, Ney took a position as teacher in Mocksville in 1822, and acquired a reputation throughout… Continue Reading
North Carolina Medical College
North Carolina Medical School Building was located on the corner of Concord Road and Lorimer Road across from the public library. It was torn down in October 1970. Included in the history of the sciences at Davidson College is the founding of the North Carolina Medical College. Incorporated in 1893, the North Carolina Medical College… Continue Reading
Morrison, Robert Hall
(b. 1798 d. 1889) Reverend Robert Hall Morrison was thirty-seven years old when he was elected the first president of Davidson College, also making him the youngest president ever elected at Davidson College. Solidly connected with several local churches in the Davidson area, he was, also, an intellectual man who had graduated second to James… Continue Reading
Men’s Basketball Press
Back to Encyclopedia Entry Press and Highlights from Davidson Basketball Please choose from one of the following articles: “Sports Illustrated Scouting Reports – Davidson Ranked #1” – Sport Illustrated, 1963 “Men’s Hoops go to the Big Dance” – Campus Chronicle, 1998 “Vitale: If Davidson’s out, baby, it’s an absolute shame” – Charlotte Observer, 1996 “Bypassed… Continue Reading
Men’s Basketball Team Pictures
Pictures of Past Davidson Basketball Teams Davidson Basketball Team – 1907-08 Davidson Basketball Team – 1925 Davidson Basketball Team – 1950 Davidson Basketball Team – 1975 Davidson Basketball Team – 2000 Continue Reading
Men’s Basketball Coaches
Coach Years No. of Years Wins Losses Pecentage J.W. Rhea 1908-09 1 1 2 .333 No coach 1909-12 3 6 7 .462 W.T. Cook 1912-13 1 0 1 .000 No coach 1913-16 3 14 11 .558 W.M. Fetzer 1916-18 2 18 10 .643 No coach 1918-19 1 3 6 .333 Fred Hengeveld 1919-22 3 20… Continue Reading
McPhail, George Wilson
(b. 1815 d. 1871) The trustees elected Reverend George Wilson McPhail, D. D. in October 1866 to be Davidson’s fifth president. He had been pastor of a church in Fredericksburg, Virginia, for more than ten years and, before that, president of Lafayette College in Pennsylvania. He also served as President of the Davidson College Board… Continue Reading
McKinnon, Luther
(b. 1840 d. 1916) The first Davidson alumnus to become president of the college, Reverend Luther McKinnon, D.D. was salutatorian of the class of 1861 and had served as a Confederate chaplain. McKinnon, also, served as the president of Floral College in Robeson County, North Carolina, and as a trustee of the Davidson College from… Continue Reading
Mathematics Department
“Hill’s Alegebra” textbook The founding fathers of Davidson College strongly believed that mathematics was central to a student’s education. With this in mind, the original curriculum called for students to take algebra in their first year. In their second year, students enrolled in a geometery course that focused on solid geometry and trigonomety. Calculus courses… Continue Reading
Martin, William Joseph, Jr.
(b. 1868 d. 1943) Dr. “Bill Joe” Martin, M.D, Ph.D, LL.D. was born in Columbia, Tennessee, but moved with his family to Davidson in 1870. His father, Colonel William Joseph Martin, was a professor of Natural Sciences at Davidson College and also served as acting president in 1887-1888 during President Luther McKinnon’s illness. William Martin,… Continue Reading
Martin, David Grier
(b. 1910 d. 1974) A graduate of Davidson College, class of 1932, Dr. Grier Martin, LL.D. served as Davidson College treasurer under President Cunningham. He was forty-eight years old when he accepted the presidency of Davidson College and already had demonstrated service, loyalty, and superb administrative ability during his seven years as college treasurer under… Continue Reading
Martin Chemical Laboratory
Said the Colonel for whom the building is named: “It is proper, however that I should express my conviction, which I think is concurred in by the Faculty, and, so far as I know, by the students also, that no other branch connected with my Chair is more important or more interesting [than chemistry]” (Beaty,… Continue Reading
Mace – Pictures
25-0044.01 25-0044.04 25-0044.02 25-0044.05 25-0046 Back to Encyclopedia Entry Continue Reading
Mace
The side of the mace with “Ne Ultra” carved in it. [1987] 25-0044.01 Also known as: the Sesquicentennial Mace. The Davidson College mace made its début on January 29, 1988 in time for the college’s Sesquicentennial Celebration. Planning for this mace had begun eight years earlier under President Samuel Spencer, Jr., and the idea was… Continue Reading
Lingle, Walter Lee
(b. 1868 d. 1956) A graduate of Davidson College, class of 1892, Reverend Walter Lee Lingle, D.D., LL.D. also attended Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, graduating in 1896. He taught Hebrew and Greek at the Seminary for two years before accepting a call as a minister. Lingle served three churches before returning to the… Continue Reading
Libraries of Davidson College
This entry gives a brief overview of the college libraries. For more in depth entries on each of the libraries, click on the links below. Union | Carnegie | Grey | Little This bookplate appeared in the library in Chambers Building. It was called Union library to signify the assimilation of the book collections of… Continue Reading
Laundry
Davidson student leaves the laundry with clean clothes [January 1984 ] 5-0022 By the early 21st century, the Davidson College offered a full service laundry facility, a free self-service laundromat, and two smaller free self-service laundromats located in the senior apartments. Students are charged a mandatory fee bundled with their room. However, this system has… Continue Reading
Lake Campus & Lake Wiley
Davidson students rowing during Freshman Orientation DC 27-0269 For more than a hundred years, water activities have been an important aspect of Davidson College. This important aspect of college life has focused around two lakes: Lake Norman and the lesser known Lake Wiley. The former has presently been affiliated with Davidson College for exactly forty… Continue Reading
Lacy, Drury
(b. 1802 d. 1884) Reverend Drury Lacy was fifty-three years old when he was elected president of Davidson College in 1855. He had graduated from Hampden-Sydney College and Union Theological Seminary and had been the minister of several churches in New Bern and Raleigh, North Carolina. In his first year as president, he experienced a… Continue Reading
Manual Labor
Students who attend manual labor schools are required to work outside of the classroom to generate income for the college.In addition to the benefits of work experience, students receive compensation for producing crops and crafts. This stipend helps keep tuition costs down and, in theory, allows people of all social classes to attend college. Davidson… Continue Reading
Kuykendall, John Wells
(b. 1938) Dr. John Wells Kuykendall, Ph.D., D.D., a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, graduated from Davidson College in 1959. He received a Bachelor of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, a Master of Sacred Theology from Yale Divinity School, and a M.A. and Ph.D. from Princeton University. Prior to accepting the presidency of Davidson College,… Continue Reading
Kirkpatrick, John Lycan
(b. 1813 d. 1885) With a strong background as a minister in Virginia and South Carolina and an educational background that included Hampden-Sydney and Union Theological Seminary, Reverend John Lycan Kirkpatrick was elected President of Davidson College in 1860. When Kirkpatrick took office, Davidson was primed for expansion and growth. The Civil War, however, interrupted… Continue Reading
July Experience Diploma
July Experience Diploma Related Entries: Davidson College Diploma Back to Encyclopedia Entry Continue Reading
July Experience
July Experience students [1995] 1-0059 July Experience “Many students tend to waste their senior year in high school. But our [July Experience] students go back and make that last year even more valuable because they know what’s on the other side of the mountain.” – Dr. William B. Hight On the first of September in… Continue Reading
Intramurals
Since the establishment of Davidson College in 1837, the college has attracted scholars to its institution that are well-rounded individuals. The college of Davidson has continually provided support to allow its students to participate in activities besides those dealing with strictly academics. The intramurals at Davidson are steeped in tradition, but they have also been… Continue Reading
Johnston Gym & Knobloch Campus Center
Johnston Gymnasium | Knobloch Campus Center Dedication of Johnston Gym in 1949. Originally, basketball had not been quite as popular sport at Davidson as it is currently, therefore the Alumni Gymnasium, built around 1916, was not designed to facilitate a growing basketball program. The building’s conditions were so poor, that by the late 1930s and… Continue Reading
Johnston Gym Articles
Articles on Johnston Gym “Wildcats Conclude Season, Win Final Home Game” from The Mecklenburg Gazette, 1989 “So Long, Johnston Gym; Davidson Closing Memorable Old Arena” from The Charlotte Observer, 1989 Great Moments in Johnston Gym Basketball History Even though they ended the season with the worst record in school history, the Davidson basketball team finished… Continue Reading
Hunter-Hamilton Love of Teaching Award
Recipients At Fall Convocation, on Saturday, November 2, 1991, Dean of Faculty Robert Williams announced to the Davidson College Community that a teaching award had been created to honor a Davidson faculty member that displays “an exemplary love of teaching.” Dr. James P. Hamilton, Davidson Class of 1954, a physician in Charlotte, and his wife… Continue Reading
Honor
The majority of this article is drawn from the longer essay >A History of Davidson College Honor System” by Chris Knowles. The roots of an honor bound community began with Davidson College’s conception in 1837. The Honor System at Davidson slowly made the transition from the hands of the faculty into the hands of the… Continue Reading
Honorary Fraternities
ODK Pins 27-0389a Honorary Fraternities at Davidson College Alpha Epsilon Delta | Alpha Phi Omega | Alpha Psi Omega | Blue Pencil Society Beta Gamma Phi | Delta Phi Alpha | Delta Pi Kappa | Delta Sigma Rho-Tau Kappa Alpha | Eta Sigma Phi Gamma Sigma Epsilon | Gryphon Society | Mimir Society | Mu… Continue Reading
Homecoming Results
Year Davidson Opponent Homecoming Queen Homecoming King 1923 Davidson 7 Citadel 0 N/A N/A 1924 Davidson 0 North Carolina 6 N/A N/A 1925 Davidson 0 North Carolina 13 N/A N/A 1926 Davidson 10 North Carolina 0 N/A N/A 1927 Davidson 0 V.M.I. 20 N/A N/A 1928 Davidson 7 North Carolina 30 N/A N/A 1929 Davidson… Continue Reading
Homecoming
Homecoming courts and game results President Martin, Home- coming Queen Kenny McArter, and Cadet Col. Linton Wray ’62 at the 1961 Homecoming football game. 27-0356 In the early years Davidson Homecoming was regarded as a big weekend on and off campus. The number of alumni and female guests reached the thousands as people flocked together… Continue Reading
Ney (Poem)- Mary Young
Acrostic poem written for Mary Young by Peter Stuart Ney. [1833] Back to Encyclopedia Entry Continue Reading
Ney (Poem) – Martha Hampton
Acrostic poem written for Martha Hampton by Peter Stuart Ney. [1843] Back to Encyclopedia Entry Continue Reading
History Department
In the early years of Davidson’s history, history courses were taught by professors of the Latin and Greek departments. Most of the early history classes were mainly recitations of Latin and Greek passages (what we would think of as Classics). However, the college soon recognized the need for more modern history courses and history eventually… Continue Reading
Hepburn, Andrew Dousa
(b. 1830 d. 1921) Reverend Andrew Dousa Hepburn,, D.D., LL.D., a native of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was Davidson’s first northern-born president. As a student, he attended the University of Virginia and Princeton Theological Seminary. He began teaching at the University of North Carolina in 1860 but resigned in 1867. Hepburn joined the faculty of the University… Continue Reading
Historic Buildings
Founded in 1837, Davidson College would one day become “the Princeton of the South.” Known for its timeless red brick buildings and spacious courts, the architecture and landscape of Davidson’s structure parallels the earnest and diligent nature of its students and faculty. The values of the college stand strong the tests of time, aging not… Continue Reading
Hazing
During the early 1900s, hazing of freshmen was gradually replaced by milder ways of keeping the new boys aware of their low status on campus. Freshmen caps, which first year men were required to wear at all times, were introduced in 1920. The caps had to be worn all year long unless the freshman were… Continue Reading
Governors
Robert Broadnax Glenn Governors Robert Broadnax Glenn | James Eubert Holshouser, Jr | James Grubbs Martin “When I am governor of this great State, as I surely shall be, I want you all, my friends, to come down to Raleigh, come into the governor’s office, take a seat in the governor’s chair, smoke his cigars,… Continue Reading
Football
Football at Davidson began during the late 1880’s in the form of club ball. The rules for the game of football were still being standardized, so the teams met before every game to set the rules straight for that particular contest. The first uniforms for the club were dark sweaters or canvas jackets with “DC”… Continue Reading
Flickerball
Intramural sports play an important role in student life at Davidson and at many other college campuses across the nation. College students compete in football, basketball, soccer, softball, and many other sports as part of either a club or intramural team. These sports provide students with an escape from their schoolwork and grant them the… Continue Reading
Fire in Watts Dormitory- Photographs
Pictures of Watts before, during, and after the fire 1) A small amount of smoke appears from the third floor 2) Large amounts of smoke come from the third floor 3) Half of the structure is now destroyed 4) The havoc continues 5) Only the bottom floor now remains 6) The structure is completely burnt… Continue Reading
Fire in Eu & Phi Halls – Articles
1921 Phi Hall Article | 1923 Eu Hall Article Article from the March 11, 1921 issue of the Davidsonian about the fire in Phi Hall Blaze in Phi Hall Causes Excitement – Prompt work of Students Saves Ancient Building from Destruction; Mooresville Fire Truck Brings Relief Real “Fire” was on the campus last Friday morning. … Continue Reading
Fire in Old Chambers – Photographs
Pictures of Old Chambers before and after the fire Early color picture of Old Chambers Sketch of the original plans for Chambers (lack of finances only made the construction of the front side possible) Picture of Ivy covering the walls of Old Chambers One of the earliest pictures of Old Chambers Picture of Chambers from… Continue Reading
Fire in Old Chambers – Primary Sources
College Bulletin Report | Daniel Patrick McGeachy letter A stunning, indeed staggering blow squarely in the face was received by the College in the burning on the morning of November 28th of Chambers building, the pride and glory of the campus, providing a home in its dormitory wings for 133 students and ROTC headquarters, and… Continue Reading
Fire in Belk Dormitory – Articles
Davidsonian Article | Charlotte Observer Article Mattresses Burn in Belk Sub-Basement – by David Thompson At approximately 10:30 AM on Tuesday, August 6, 1991 a fire erupted in the sub-basement of Belk dormitory. While no injuries were reported, and the fire did no structural damage to the building, several mattresses were destroyed in the blaze. … Continue Reading
Fires at Davidson College
1921: The Fire of Old Chambers On the morning of November 28, 1921, a fire consumed the Old Chambers building in a little more than six hours. Nobody was seriously hurt in the fire. Most of the students were able to recover a fair portion of their belongings, but the building was unable to be saved. … Continue Reading
Literary Societies
The Eumenean and Philanthropic Literary Societies were formed by students in 1837 as the first student organizations on the campus. The Eumenean Society’s constitution proclaimed that the “object of this Society shall be the acquirement of literary knowledge, the promotion of virtue, and the cultivation of social harmony and friendship.” They claimed as their Latin… Continue Reading
Dormitory Row
Watts Dormitory Fire [1923] DC 045-142 After moving from the original dormitory location of Oak and Elm Rows, and as living in Old Chambers began to cease, dorm life began to be on Dorm Row. The construction of these traditional dorms took place in the early 20th century, in three major developmental phases, countered by… Continue Reading
Davidson, Chalmers
Chalmers Gaston Davidson was born June 6. 1907 in Chester, South Carolina to Zeb Vance and Kate (Gaston) Davidson. He began his distinguished career in education at Davidson College, graduating summa cum laude in 1928. He continued his education at Harvard (M.A. in 1930 and Ph.D. in 1942) and the University of Chicago (M.A. in… Continue Reading
Dormitories
Evolution is necessary for survival. Darwin’s evolutionary principles and coined expression “survival of the fittest” don’t just apply to chipmunks and cheetahs. All colleges have had to adapt, compete, and make impressive additions to stay alive in the college spectrum. Dormitory [c 1926] DC 9-0477 Over the past one hundred seventy years, Davidson has learned… Continue Reading
Davidson Outdoors
“The purpose of Davidson Outdoors (DO) shall be to promote and increase awareness and appreciation for nature by providing outdoor and other recreational activities as well as programs that further the educational objectives of Davidson College while encouraging the growth of personal qualities such as leadership, self-reliance, confidence, and initiative, and to enrich the Davidson… Continue Reading
Davidson Monthly
Cover issue of the Davidson Monthly, released 2 months ahead of schedule. The Davidson Monthly, first published in March 1870, was a magazine created by Davidson College students, and could be purchased for just two dollars for a ten month subscription. The six editors of the Monthly were seniors “chosen by the two literary societies… Continue Reading
Diploma
[1960s] 11-0333 “The [Davidson] College Diploma is a fine specimen of engraving. ” –Charlotte Journal [28 August 1846] The Davidson College diploma given to graduating seniors in the early twenty-first century is easily recognizable by its language (Latin) and elaborate design. In fact, the modern diploma is based on the college’s original diploma, used from… Continue Reading
Dining at Davidson
“For Breakfast and supper we have coffee biscuit, egg break batter cakes light bread butter syrup hash & stake. For Dinner cornbread, biscuits, rice, mush, cabbage, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, beef, stake, & cyrup. Mrs. Scofield does not appear at dinner but at breakfast & supper she sits at a side table and fills the cups… Continue Reading
Rusk, Dean
Dean Rusk (1909-1994), secretary of state under presidents Kennedy and Johnson, is the namesake of Davidson’s international studies program and was the school’s sixth Rhodes Scholar. Rusk was born on a farm in Cherokee County, Georgia, the son of Davidson alumnus Robert Hugh Rusk, Class of 1894. At age four, his family moved to Atlanta,… Continue Reading
Davidsonian Editors
2013-2014Laura Chuckray Lyla Halsted Caroline Queen Year Editor 2016-2017 Matt Landini Emma Johnson 2015-2016 Will McDuffie Michelle Wan 2014-2015 Addie Balenger Jonathan Marchuk Michelle Wan 2012-2013 Scott Matthews Sarah Welty 2011-2012 Logan Lewis Kelly Wilson 2010-2011 Brian Park 2009-2010 Brett Willis 2008-2009 Suzie Eckl Michelle Jester Brian Moran 2007-2008 Summerlee Walter Pierce Trumbo 2006-2007 Liz… Continue Reading
Davidsonian
The 1922 banner graphic for The Davidsonian honors Old Chambers with a picture of the building before in burned down in 1921 On March 18, 1914, the student body voted on and approved the creation of a collegiate newspaper that would report on the campus and local community events and issues. During the same month,… Continue Reading
Cunningham, John Rood
(b. 1891 d. 1980) Reverend John Rood Cunningham, D.D., LL.D. was fifty years old when he accepted the presidency of Davidson College in 1941. A native of Williamsburg, Missouri, Cunningham obtained his B.A. degree from Westminister (Presbyterian) College in 1914 and his D.D. from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary in 1917. He was later honored with doctor’s… Continue Reading
Valedictorians at Davidson
Year Valedictorian 2016 Cooper W. Karisch Ryan H. Kozlowski 2015 Samuel T. Castle Elizabeth M. Engle James H. Helzberg 2014 James A. Durling Sarah H. Gustafson Geneveive D. Nielsen Justin C. Strickland 2013 Amy Louise Pugh 2012 Kelvin H. Bates Holly E. Sims 2011 Daniel Martin Allison Rauh 2010 Julia Ward 2009 Sarah Rhodes 2008… Continue Reading
Salutatorians at Davidson
2016 No salutatorian – 2 first honors 2015 No salutatorian – 3 first honors 2014 No salutatorian – 4 first honors 2013 Claire Amer Brennan & Chadwick James Harper 2012 No salutatorian – 2 first honors 2011 No salutatorian – 2 first honors 2010 Baker Shogry 2009 Ben Van Dyke 2008 Brenna T. Burns 2007… Continue Reading
Colors
Throughout the 20th and into the 21st centuries, Davidson College paraphernalia could be recognized by our striking black and red colors. In our earlier days, however, Davidson College was known by less intimating colors: pink and light blue. These colors were chosen to represent Davidson College “in tribute to the literary societies,” Philanthropic and Eumanean.… Continue Reading
College Bowl
1959 College Bowl Team: (l-r) Charles Chastain ’59, Robert Livingston ’60, Coach Paul Marrotte, Laurens Walker ’59, and Frank Nye ’60. (27-0014) Davidson received their first invitation in 1959. Davidson College President D. Grier Martin remarked that the televised college bowl was Davidson’s “best opportunity for national publicity in the history of this college” (Duggan). … Continue Reading
Commencement at Davidson
Salutatorians at Davidson | Valedictorians at Davidson “If we look back, the history of Davidson College is soon told. Three years and about five month only have passed, since the first resolution in reference to it was drawn. The prospect of success was then no brighter than a confident reliance upon God’s blessing, and the… Continue Reading
Carolina Inn (History)
The architecture of the Carolina Inn is an important part of the Mecklenburg County heritage and reflects the architectural mood of the community at different moments in time. The restoration saved the town’s heritage, recreated beauty, and provided needed space for academic facility (Beaty 85). Throughout the building’s history, it has always been a “useful… Continue Reading
Chemistry Department
Chemistry has been a part of the curriculum at Davidson College since its opening in 1837. The Reverend Robert Hall Morrison, the first president of Davidson, lectured in chemistry from 1837-1841; and its second president, the Reverend Samuel Williamson, was the first professor of chemistry at Davidson. A chemistry laboratory was included in the original… Continue Reading
Coeducation
Coeducation at Davidson had its beginnings in the 1860s, when the five daughters of President John Kirkpatrick were enrolled to increase the size of a student body depleted by the Civil War. From that time on, faculty daughters and qualified ladies from the town were admitted to courses. However, they could not earn degrees and… Continue Reading
College Catalogs
Although the first classes began in 1837, the first Davidson College catalog appeared in 1842. The catalogs contain lists of trustees, faculty and students; information about admission requirements; courses of study; tuition and fees; and a description of the character of the college. From 1842 to 1855, the catalog also included lists of alumni. The… Continue Reading
Cake Race – Winners
Year Sex Name Home Time Race length varies. 2016 F. Maddie Hunter Charlottesville, VA 12:21 2016 M. Robert Seaton-Todd Cleveland, OH 7:33 2014 F. Allison Cheeseman Helen Webster Sierra Ponthier Anna Buser Eliza Lawless Laurel Sheffield Hannah Moerk Nashville, TN Chevy Chase, MD Palos Verdes Estates, CA McLean, VA Bethlehem, PA Buena Vista, VA Kernersville,… Continue Reading
Cake Race
Cake Race Winners The Davidson College Freshmen Cake Race is tradition that has endured by embracing change. Freshmen year is a nervous and scary experience for almost every Davidson student. For the incoming class of ‘34 the experience was made even more grueling by a mandatory 1.7 mile race. This race, which has been held… Continue Reading
Edwards, Bill -Legend
This plaque of “William Davidson Edwards” was dedicated with the book drop at E. H. Little Library. The picture is actually of a Navy buddy of Mike Myers. His name is John Speer. William “Bill” Davidson Edwards, Class of 1953, was a fictional alumnus of Davidson College, created by Mike Myers, also Class of 1953.… Continue Reading
Blake, John Rennie
(b. 1825 d. 1900) From 1871-1877, Davidson College had no official president, but was administered by a faculty chairman, Professor John Rennie Blake. The position of Chairman of the faculty replaced the college presidency for those years. Blake was born in Greenwood, South Carolina and attended the University of Georgia and Harvard’s Lawrence Scientific School.… Continue Reading
Biology Department
In the 1800’s, Biology had little place at Davidson, although some lectures on botany and zoology were a part of the required geology course. The trustees did consider adding a “Professorship of Physiology and Hygiene” in 1892, but any movement toward full acceptance of the biological sciences was still quite controversial, considering the college’s emphasis… Continue Reading
Bells
“In Memory of our soldier dead, To you from falling hands we throw the torch; Be yours to hold it high.” – Chambers Bell inscription. Chief Marshall Leland Park with the original Davidson College bell [1987] 25-0104a Early Bells The earliest college bell was small and attached to a wooden rocker that was rung by… Continue Reading
Baseball
Over the last 130 years at Davidson College, baseball has progressed from a Saturday morning gathering in a sandlot to a competitive NCAA Division I athletic program. Due to the initiatives of the players and coaches, the program has improved its facilities and sent many players to the next level while gaining widespread recognition for… Continue Reading
Freshman Beanies and Pins
The Freshman Beanie was introduced in 1920. The original style was a black cap with a red button on top and a green F attached to the front of the cap. These later gave way to a red cap with the class year of the freshman prominently displayed in black on the front of the… Continue Reading
Art Department
Art was first taught in 1928, when a bequest from William H. Williamson (class of 1886) established a Professorship in Fine Arts. From 1928 to 1931, Ernest Cullum taught an art appreciation course. This course continued until 1953, and it was taught by C.R. Harding, Joseph Hutchinson, and Philip Moose. In 1953, Douglas Houchens became… Continue Reading
Chambers – The Old and the New
This magnificent building of power and prestige was named after the memorable Maxwell Chambers. He generously left his inheritance to Davidson, laying the monetary foundation of this grand structure. Even though tragedy struck Chambers, its strong tradition and spirit was never lost and still lives on today. A view of the original Chambers Building DC… Continue Reading
Eating Houses
Machis | Random House | ATO “Apple-Turn-Over” | Fannie & Mable | Et Cetera Emanon | PAX | Rusk | Warner Hall | Spencer | Connor | Turner | CoHo “R-U-S-K Huskie Ruskies all the way, Number one we’re lots of fun, Throw it back until it’s done, R-U-S-K party hardy everyday, Hot damn body… Continue Reading
Fraternities at Davidson College
Alpha Omega | Alpha Phi Alpha | Alpha Tau Omega | Alpha Theta Phi | Beta Theta Pi | Chi Phi Delta Kappa | Delta Theta Chi | Eta Alpha | Kappa Alpha | Kappa Sigma | Phi Alpha Chi Phi Delta Theta | Phi Gamma Delta | Phi Kappa Pi | Pi Kappa… Continue Reading
Alma Mater
Davidson’s Alma Mater is titled “All Hail! O Davidson!” The words were written by Dr. George M. Maxwell, class of 1896, and by 1938, Dr. James C. Pfohl had arranged the lyrics in hymn form. The original lyrics are as follows: All hail! O Davidson, Our dear old Alma Mater, Our Fathers loved thee, gave… Continue Reading
General Collection
The General Collection of the Smith Rare Book Room contains a wide array of unique and interesting books. Of particular note is a parchment-bound edition of Seneca printed in 1492. This book is one of the library’s three incunabula, or books printed prior to 1501. The second is the Life of St. Thomas a Becket, a small book… Continue Reading
Bibles and Encyclopedias
The Smith Rare Book Room is fortunate to have 3 copies of the Geneva or “Breeches” Bible. This bible was printed in 1615 and received its name from its translation of Genesis 3:7 which reads “and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves breeches.” Favored by Calvinists, the “Breeches” Bible won approval for use… Continue Reading
Wilbur L. Fugate Collection of 100 First Editions
In the Spring of 1992, Wilbur Lindsay Fugate, a graduate of Davidson College, class of 1934, and the University of Virginia Law School, donated his collection of one hundred first edition books to the E. H. Little Library. The collection includes works by eighty-three authors and represents the “best” in English and American literature. A… Continue Reading
Samuel M. Lindsay Collection on Robert Burns
In June 1958, the Reverend Samuel M. Lindsay, a longtime friend and supporter of Davidson College, donated his collection of Robert Burns poetry to the library. At the time, Reverend Lindsay’s collection was considered to be one of the largest and finest personal collections of Robert Burns poetry in America. Born in the same town… Continue Reading
James Henry Hall, Jr. Collection on Thomas C. Wolfe
A magnificent addition to the library’s holdings in literature is the Thomas C. Wolfe Collection of James Henry Hall, Jr. This collection was presented to the library in 1988 by Hall’s daughter, Mrs. Richard Huddleston, and her husband. Hall graduated from Davidson College in 1927 and was a professor of English at Virginia Polytechnic Institute… Continue Reading
Golden Cockerel Press Collection
The Smith Rare Book Room has in its collections some beautifully printed, limited editions published at private presses in the early decades of the twentieth century. In addition to literary works of art from such presses as Ballantyne, Montague, Centaur, and Kelmscott, the Smith Rare Book Room boasts one of the finest existing collections of… Continue Reading
H. M. Marvin Collection on Bruce Rogers
Bruce Rogers’ career as a typographer and designer of books spanned more than sixty years. The printed works he designed and the typefaces he created are among his legacies. So, also, is the vitalizing effect he had upon American and British printing in the early decades of the twentieth century. Contemporary accounts show the affection… Continue Reading