Sec. B Pg 29 Missoulian Centennial University Hall Ceremony Big Event of June 1898
University Hall Ceremony Big Event of June 1898
The Montana State University Commission on Feb. 14, 1898, awarded the contract for Science Hall and University (Main) Hall to George Dildine on a bid of $51,679. The contract for heating and plumbing went to the Missoula Mercantile Co. on a bid of $7,900.
The contract for the foundations of the two buildings was let earlier to Henry Partoll, who had completed them in the spring of 1898.
Serving on the building commission by appointment of Gov. Robert B. Smith were Alfred Cave, E. A. Winstanley, Joseph K. Wood, F. G. Higgins and J. R. Latimer. When Winstanley moved from Missoula Fred H. Stoddard was named to take his place. A. J. Gibson was architect for the two buildings.
The MSU commencement exercises in 1898 were conducted June 8 at the Union Hall, but part of the ceremonies of that day took place on the present campus when the cornerstone of University Hall was laid at a program starting at 2:30 p.m.
Much of the town participated in the parade preceding this ceremony.
A cordon of police headed the procession, followed by the fire department, AFL, AOUW, IOOF, Foresters, Woodmen, Red Men, BPOE, K of P, G.A.R., other civic societies, University faculty and students, Grand Lodge AF&AM, governor and other state officials, State Board of Education, University Committee and citizens generally. John L. Sloane was grand marshal.
The procession started at the Higgins-Main intersection, went south across the bridge on Higgins to South 5th, east on 5th to Maurice avenue, then south on Maurice to the campus.
The commencement address was given by Gov. Smith and the graduating class consisted of Mrs. Ella Robb Glenny and Miss Eloise Knowles, the former receiving a bachelor of arts degree and the latter a bachelor of philosophy degree. These were the first two graduates of the University.
The cornerstone laying ceremony was conducted by the Grand Lodge of Masons and presided over by E. C. Day, grand master.
After the stone was pronounced truly and squarely laid by Henry Partoll, contractor for the foundations, corn and wine and oil were poured over it, demonstrating plenty, joy and peace.
A solid copper box bearing the inscription, “Deposited by the Grand Lodge of Masons of Montana, Edward C. Day, Grand Master, at Missoula, Montana, June 8th, 1898,” was deposited in the receptacle provided for it.
It contained:
Copies of the Daily Missoulian, Weekly Missoulian, Anaconda Standard, Democrat – Messenger, Montana Fruit Grower, and No. 1, Vol. 1 of the Kaimin, student newspaper.
Bible from Dr. Oscar J. Craig, MSU president.
Five-cent piece from first sale of Anaconda Standard of June 8, 1898.
Portraits of Matt H. Murphy of Miles City, Thomas L. Greenough of Missoula, birdseye view of New York City from Maj. Thomas H. Burke.
Portraits of President McKinley, Gens. Miles and Merritt, Capt. Sigsbee and Naval Cmdrs Dewey, Sampson, Schley, Bunce and Sicard, by the University Building Commission.
A $100 confederate bill from D. H. Ross.
Knights of Pythia jewel, from John M. Evans, chancellor commander of the Grand Lodge K of P of Montana.
Proceedings of the Grand Lodge Of AF&AM of Montana for 1897; proceedings of the 10th annual conclave Grand Commander Knights Templar; constitution and bylaws of the Grand Lodge of Montana AF&AM; list of officers of Grand Lodge of Masons of Montana; list of members of Missoula Lodge 13, AF&AM.
History of Covenant Lodge 6, IOOF.
Address of E. C. Day, grand master of Masonic Lodge.
Sundry cards of visiting individuals.
Photographs of tree planting on University grounds, from C. E. Woodworth.
Grand Army badge from Winthrop Post 11, G.A.R.
Address of Joseph K. Wood, secretary of MSU Building Commission.
Photograph of A. J. Gibson, architect of MSU buildings, from a friend.
Photograph of Charlo, chief of the Flathead Indians, from Judge F. H. Woody.
List of members of the Christian Church of Missoula.