Mission Statement of Dakota State University Historical Archives




Mission Statement Donating Materials DSU Timeline Key Facts For more information contact Bonnie Olson bonnie.olson@dsu.edu (605) 256-5211	Dakota State University Timeline Historical Calendar of Dakota State University (1881-present) compiled by Bonnie Olson from several timelines, calendars and college/university archival materials. Choose a time period or scroll down to follow timeline. 1881-1885 1886-1890 1891-1895 1896-1900 1901-1906 1907-1910 1911-1915 1916-1920 1921-1925 1926-1930 1931-1935 1936-1940 1941-1945 1946-1950 1951-1955 1956-1960 1961-1965 1966-1970 1971-1975 1976-1980 1981-1985 1986-1990 1991-1995 1996-2000 2001-2009 1881-1885 1881 On March 5, the Territorial Legislative assembly passed the Normal Bill, establishing a school at Madison, in Dakota Territory. It was referred to as Dakota Normal School, Madison State Normal or State Normal but most commonly known as Madison State Normal School. One hundred sixty acres, one mile east of Madison, were turned over to the Territory for the Normal School, but the site was considered too far away. Mr. Charles B. Kennedy offered 20 acres of land on the north edge of Madison, at the end of Egan Avenue. This site was selected for the school. The deed stipulated that if the land were ever used for anything but for the original intent (a teachers preparation institution) or discontinued, the site would be returned to the Kennedy estate. C. B. Kennedy & family 1882 The Legislature sold the original 160 acres of land as it was considered to be too far from the village of Madison. The proceeds were to be used for construction of first college buildings within the confines of Madison. 1883 On December 5, eleven students enrolled with Professor Charles S. Richardson as the first President (1883-1887). He came from Waterville, Maine. Tuition was free for students agreeing to teach in Dakota Territory for at least two years after graduation. Book rental was $0.25 per book for the year. Room and board in private homes was approximately $3.00 per week. Classes were held in the public buildings. Plans were drawn by architect Edward S. Steffens, of Minneapolis, for a wooden frame structure 50 x 70 feet. 1884 Appropriations secured and construction began on the first college building, a 50' x 70', three story, wood-frame structure included a half-basement. Enrollment was up to 70. Professor E.H. Evenson, graduate of University of Wisconsin, was the second teacher hired. $13,600 was spent for final stages of construction on the original building. Few people were living in the state, few roads, no telephone, electricity, radios or automobiles. Travel at that time was train or horse and buggy. 1885 November 2, the school moved into new wooden building with 107 students. The Normal School's first graduating class had 2 students. Model School was established for practice teaching; one of the first laboratory schools in the nation. The Normal was the first state college for preparation of teachers in the Dakota Territory. 1886-1890 choose a different time period 1886 Winter term began with 107 students. Normal School building burned to the ground on February 4^th with complete destruction, only three months after completion, with the exception of a few books belonging to President Richardson. The City of Madison issued bonds for $25,000 to build a dormitory and rebuild classroom buildings. The Legislature appropriated $35,000 to repay $25,000 in bonds bought by Madison citizens and the balance to finish the building. Classes were held in various rooms downtown including the Court House during the building process. The classroom building was rebuilt of granite during following months and opened in September of 1886. W.L. Dow of Sioux Falls was the architect. Edwin G. Carter of Sioux Falls was awarded the construction contract. Normal building was named West Wing (later called the Model School and yet later called Beadle Hall). This building was placed on the same exact site of the building that burned. Construction of Dell Rapids Granite, Milwaukee pressed brick & LaCrosse white-cut stone, 76' x 84' housed four levels including the basement. It was finished in oak and Georgia pine. The carved staircase in the center of the building led from the first floor to the third. Used the Haxtan Heating System. The Library & Presidents Office were housed here. The Model School was set-up in the basement. There were three grades in the Model School: Primary, Intermediate and Grammar. The Normal Department had 124 students and 8 faculty. Every student entering Normal Department had to do a definite amount of teaching in the Model School. The Normal Department consisted of the Elementary Course which required three years of work above the 8th grade. Advanced courses included four years of study. North Harth - view of West Wing The citizens of Madison finished building the West Hall (Old Dormitory) . John Buckley was the contractor. It was built on the southwest part of campus at a cost of $8000. It was a 36'x86' brick building, 4 stories high and accommodated 70 students. The rate for room & board was $2.75 per week. It had a kitchen and dining hall in the basement. Visiting in the halls was prohibited as it was one of the dormitory rules. It housed women students in the early years. 1887 William F. Gorrie was Second President (1887-1889). He was born in Salem, New York in 1842. He died in 1903. In April, 400 trees were planted on campus celebrating Arbor Day. A windmill & tank were added to the campus grounds. No provision for care of the trees was made. The Agassiz Association (Science Club) was organized. This was a study & observation of natural objects. Broom Drill 1888 Enrollment of 238 students, it was very crowded in West Wing (later called Beadle Hall). Two desks were put together to accommodate three students. The Commercial Department (business training) was introduced. It was housed on the third floor with large rooms and well lighted with a skylight. Class of 1888 1889 William F. Gorrie resigned and submitted his resignation. South Dakota gained statehood in February. All state institutions are placed under Board of Regents. General William Henry Harrison Beadle became Third President (1889-1905). The library housed 1000 volumes. There were 191 students in the Normal Department. And 80 students were in the Model School Department. 1890 Tuition was $2.25 per semester (19 weeks). Room & Board was $5.00. Entering students were supposed to be 16 yrs. old – although some entered at 14. They were required to pass a rigid entrance exam. Students entered directly from the grammer school and took a 3-yr. course leading to a teaching certificate & a diploma – this was called the "Elementary Course". At this time, only ladies would be allowed to live in West Hall. 1891-1895 choose a different time period 1892 In November, The Oyaka , a monthly paper published by the college students was first published. The name was derived from the Lakota meaning 'messenger or herald'. The Students' Christian Association was organized. Meetings were held weekly on Wednesday evenings. 1893 Commencement Class of 1893 gave up commencement plans for a memorial service for William E. Hammer & Gay Pye, deceased members of their class. On the eve of commencement week they both drowned. Mr. Hammer was editor-in-chief & founder of the The Oyaka. 1895 The 1893-94 catalog stated that the three-year Elementary Course was extended to four years and the first year Elementary courses will be extended to one and half yrs. of attendance. 1896-1900 choose a different time period 1897-1898 2,000 trees were planted on campus by townspeople - mostly ash & elm. Provisions were made for the care and watering of the trees. The first summer school session consisting of eight weeks was introduced. 1898 Drawing Class in front of Beadle Hall 1898 Graduating Class Art Marsland was the mail carrier and custodian 1898-99 Original heating plant erected at a cost of $4,000. The building of a new dormitory building had commenced at an expense of about $30,000. Class of 1899 1900 State Normal was continuing to grow. Tuition was raised to $6.00 per semester, total cost of tuition, room & board & book fees was now $116.90 for a 9-month period. 1901-1906 choose a different time period 1901 Ladies Hall (East Hall) was built and was ready for use in the fall. It served as a dormitory for women including kitchen and laundry. This building was made out of Sioux Falls Granite. It consisted of 43 rooms for students, and a bathroom on each floor besides two parlors, a reception room and a reading room. In the basement was the student's dining room with seating capacity of over 100. It also housed a laboratory for the Science Department. East Hall was heated by steam & lighted with incandescent electric lamps. The East Hall Boarding Club was started. This was a self-governing club, largely making and executing their own laws for the dormitory. West Hall Dormitory was now used exclusively for male students. President Beadle on year's sick leave to regain his health. Professor William W. Girton selected as Acting President (1901-1902). Legislature appropriates money for construction of East Wing (later called Kennedy Hall). 1902 President Beadle returns as President. This was the first graduating class to wear cap and gowns. The school Name changes to Madison State Normal School. This was the first mid-winter (January) Commencement, having 17 graduates. The Science Club was started, they met every two weeks. 1902-03 The first Girls Basketball game, it was with Brookings College with a win. They had two teams - the Reds and the Orangites. 1903 Madison State Normal School Band is organized. Electric light plant is installed north of West Wing (later Beadle Hall) . A Tennis Association was organized in the fall semester, although this was not the first time tennis was played on campus. The 40 members were furnished with tennis outfits and had three well-equipped courts. 1904 East Wing (later called Kennedy Hall) was constructed. Mr. Dow of Sioux Falls was the architect and the contractor was Mr. Hafsos, from Cantan. It was made of Dell Rapids Granite. The 72x78 ft. building had 14,284 usable sq. ft. space and housed administrative offices, the library, an auditorium/elegant chapel of which seated 600 and classrooms. Now, West Wing (later called Beadle Hall) used primarily for Model School (training department). The Library holdings consisted of 3000 books which were cataloged according to the Dewey Decimal System. Cross Country Club was organized in September, by the East Hall Club, there were 2 teams - the Reds and Yellows. The Normal Yell 1905 President Beadle retires as president but stays on as professor of history until 1912 when he retired. John W. Heston, President (1905-1920). First cup trophy won on May 25-26 at Inter-Normal Meet which was an athletic and literary contest. First year the Anemone (college yearbook) was published. At this time property, buildings & equipment valued at $140,000. There were four campus buildings on campus. Debating Club Men's Baseball Philomathean Literary Society Eurosophian Literary Society Junior Rhetorical Society 1906 The Webster Society was organized - to aide in developing the ability of it's members in debate, oratory, music and other literary exercises as well as sociability. January Graduates 1907-1910 choose a different time period 1907 Smoke-Stack (a large brick chimney) erected at $2,500. Contract went to Wold & Johnson of Brookings. In the fall, the Girls Glee Club was formed and the Century Club was organized. West Hall dormitory & West Wing (Beadle Hall) in the background 1908 A 40 ft. addition was built onto the north of the Ladies Hall Dormitory (now called East Hall). It housed an enlarged kitchen, laundry & storage rooms. East Wing (later called Kennedy Hall) housed the Executive Office and the elegant Chapel, not surpassed by any in the State. Basketball Teams Football Team Baseball Team Class of 1908 1909 The abandoned West Hall (Men's Dormitory) (36' X 86') located on the southwest end of campus was torn down to build Science Hall & Gymnasium( later called the Women's Gym, then called the Performing Arts Center and now called the TCB - Technology Classroom Building). Some of the West Hall building materials were salvaged for construction of the new building. In the fall, Madison State Normal Orchestra was organized. 1910 Dr. Heston's interest in Industrial education in relation to teacher education is what moved him to build the Science Hall. Sioux Falls Granite was used in the erection of the 60x100 Science Hall & Gymnasium.(Later called Women's Gym and then Performing Art Center and presently named TCB-Technology Classroom Building). This building was located on the southwest end of campus. The first floor housed the laboratory, classroom facilities for chemistry, physics and agriculture, and a large lecture room & 2nd floor was the gymnasium. Science had been introduced in the establishment of courses in chemistry and domestic science. Many social events took place in this building. Tuition was at $2.00 per quarter consisting of 12 weeks. Tuition, room and board, books and fees $135.65 for nine month period (3 quarters). East Hall Girls Dorm Room East Hall Girls New cement walks were laid on campus. Library in East Wing (later called Kennedy Hall) The Century Club was organized in 1907. There were two divisions "A" & "B" due to the large membership. The Century Clubs aim was to learn to discipline themselves in oratory and declamation. Women's Basketball 1911-1915 choose a different time period 1911 The Debating Club drew up a constitution and the by- laws for the club. Football Team Webster Society Women's Basketball Girls Glee Club Orchestra Model School Manual Training Word Drill Normal Physical Culture Classes in the new Gymnasium Some of the songs and yells that were used at this time. 1912 First year of inter-collegiate athletic competition, men on teams averaged 140 pounds. Instructors and students from the 1912 Summer School Session, The Lake Madison Chautauqua was in session at that time. This gave the students the advantage of its instruction and entertainment as well. "Sylvia" was an operetta that was presented by the Music Department. 1913 Heating plant (old Power House) enlarged and fully equipped - $12,500. This was located to the north of East and West Wings. . Webster Society Biology Lab 1913-1914 State Normal Basketball Teams Commercial Class Orchestra Poem about 'Dear Old Normal' Model School 8th Grade graduating class Cooking Class 1914 Chapel Exercises were held at 10:30 every school day, the students were expected to attend. Mondays chapel exercises were set aside for the Webster and the Century "A" & "B" literary societies presentations. This proved to be very good valuable experience for the students. Basketball Teams 7 & 8th grade Basketball Team at Model School 1914-1915 Strivers Debating Club Girls Glee Club Exhausted Staff First, Second & Third Year Elementary Students All four buildings had electric lights furnished by the central heating plant on campus. Madison State Normal Ad in the 1914-15 Yearbook November 18, 1915, General William H.H. Beadle passed away in San Francisco, California. He was President of Normal School from 1889-1905. 1916-1920 choose a different time period 1915-1916 Anemone Staff Orchestra Girton Hall ad taken from 1916 Yearbook First Year Elementary Second Year Elementary Strivers' Debating Society Football Athletics was popular among the students partly due to Coach Charles C. Wagner. Glee Clubs 1916-1917 A 120x142 Campus Laboratory School (Model School) (later named Eastern Campus School and later yet named Beadle Campus School) was built of dark compressed brick and trimmed with light sandstone. It was a one-story building with a basement. The basement was occupied by the Domestic Science and Art Departments along with the lunchroom. It was an excellent teacher-in-training laboratory facility. Campus School Assembly The Athenian Literary Society met each Wednesday at the usual Chapel hour. This literary society started October 22, 1917. Basketball Teams SW Corner of Campus Faculty 1917 First, Second & Third Year Intermediate Students Charles B. Kennedy passed away on August 18, 1917. Mr. Kennedy had deeded 20 acres of land on the north edge of Madison to the school in 1881. 1917-1918 Basketball Teams These five officers led the Students Christian Association this year. They met on Wednesday evenings and again on Sunday mornings when Dr. Heston led Bible Study. 1st & 2nd year Elementary Class Commercial Class First, Second and Third Year Intermediate Classes Anemone Board 'Our School' taken from the 1918 yearbook Century Society Athenian Society Football Team At the end of this year, the Y.W.C.A. was organized. This Young Women's Christian Association met weekly. 1918-1919 Campus School classroom In this year, The Teachers' Club was organized. This club was organized by the student teachers of the Normal Training School. The aim of this club was to encourage scholarship and professional spirit among the teachers in training. Anemone Staff Athenian Society First & Second Year Elementary Students First, Second & Third Year Intermediate Century Literary Society Basketball started early this year because there was no Football. Girls Basketball 1919-1920 Dr. Heston died in Feb. 1920. Faculty & Staff 1920-1921 Bela M. Lawrence was appointed Acting President (February - July, 1920). B. M. Lawrence & Coach Wagner Edgar C. Higbie, (1920-1931), a native of Wisconsin, was selected as President in 1920. Dr. Higbie did not take office until fall of 1921. First & Second Year Elementary Tuition was $4.00 per quarter. Total cost of nine months school approximately $215.00. First, Second and Third Year Intermediate Madison Community Hospital (Heston Hall) opened to the public on August 1, 1920. It was a 35-bed hospital. Cost was $175,000.00 of which all but $20,000.00 subscribed by 400 citizens of Madison. Women's Basketball Normal Lyric Club Commercial Class Home Economics Department in the Training School 1921-1925 choose a different time period 1921-1922 Edgar C. Higbie, (1920-1931), took office in fall of 1921. Enrollment was 76 students. Tuition was $12.00. The college officially adopted the name change to Eastern State Normal School. State of South Dakota acquires house and lot to be used for dormitory purposes (overflow from East Hall). Paid for itself by self-liquidation. It was named Girton House after W.W. Girton, who build the house and whom began his work on campus in 1896 as secretary/treasurer and instructor and later Professor William W. Girton was selected as Acting President. (1901-1902). First, Second & Third Year Intermediate First & Second Year Elementary A World War I Memorial was dedicated on campus on November 11, 1921. This boulder with the bronze plaque was set near the southwest entrance of Campus. The names on the plaque are those of the men students from the Normal who served in WW I. B. M. Lawrence and C. C. Wagner were instrumental in raising the funds for this memorial among faculty, students, and friends of the Normal. Commercial Department The aim of the Commercial Department was to train students to become first class office assistants. East Hall Government Officers Women's Basketball Team The Model School took on the name Eastern Campus School. The Model School consists of three departments: The Kindergarten-Primary Department includes the Kindergarten and the First and Second Grades; the Intermediate, the Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth grades; and the Junior High consists of the Seventh, Eighth and Ninth grade. Faculty member E. L. Bolender 1922-1923 Pioneer Day (Homecoming Day) inaugurated with a parade in October, 1922. This was the first homecoming. . Scouting Orchestra Men's Basketball Janitors Kappa Sigma Iota was organized in June. This was to promote and recognize scholastic achievement. It became one of the most active and leading campus organizations. A student health service was organized with R.S. Westaby as first school doctor and also one of the hospital administrators. Nursing Class Elementary Classes Intermediate Classes