150 Fun Facts
Compiled by Cambray Sampson , Lindsey Larson and Connie Williams. Spring/Summer 2009

1. In its first year, Adrian College had 212 students, of which 78 were women. Of these, 166 were preparatory students.

2. The original campus was built on twenty acres of land donated by Dr. Daniel Underwood and the Honorable Langdon Berry.

3. Adrian’s first semester started on December 1, 1859. It was originally planned that classes would begin in the fall of 1859, but North and South halls were not completed in time.

4. Downs Hall is the only building from the original campus plan that still stands on campus. In 1860, it served as the chapel, but is now a theater.

5. During the 1920’s there was a plan to completely update Adrian’s campus. Because of the stock market crash, the only building that was started was a gymnasium which was only partially completed at the time.

6. Because the college did not have the funds to complete Ridge Gymnasium, the federal government gave money, provided that the gym be partially owned by community. Money to buy the building back from the community did not materialize until 1952.

7. From 1955 to 1970 the size of the campus expanded to 100 acres and about twenty buildings were built.

8. In 1970, the trustees of Adrian College planned to renovate North Hall, but because of fire damage and age, North Hall was torn down and a new, larger North Hall was built in its place. North Hall was later renamed Valade Hall in 2007.

9. From the 1938 mound: “Following the trend of many other colleges, Adrian has this year arranged an exchange Fellowship by which Donald MacQueen, honor student in the class of 1937, was sent to Dijon, France, and Guy Lambert, a student in the University of Metz, came to the college here. M. Lambert has assumed the dual role of student and teacher at Adrian.”

10. “As of this writing seventy-one of the men of our campus have responded to the country’s call in the armed service.” ~Samuel J. Harrison (President) 1943

11. From 1940 until 1951, the self help plan, a work study type program started by President Feeman, enabled students to earn at least 40% of their room, board, tuition, and fees. Students were paid 65 cents per hour.

12. In 1950, a publicity stunt for the senior class dance (the Wigwam Wamble) included giving a door prize of a live duck.

13. Among the theater productions put on in 1957 was “an original musical comedy by Dr. Preston ‘Adrian 2098 A.D.’”

14. In 1960 Eleanor Roosevelt visited campus during the celebration of United Nation’s Week.

15. In 1963, Adrian College offered an art major for the first time. Two years later, Anne Priestly was the first graduate with an art major.

16. In 1963, a popular class in the social science department was called “Preparation for Marriage.”

17. In 1967, the biology department adopted a baby red fox whose home had been destroyed by a land-clearing operation. When it was old enough to survive on its own, the creature was released.

18. “The woman’s dorm unlocked tradition with the new policy for women 21 and over to come and go as they please, provided they sign out a key-a step toward a very “liberal” arts curriculum.” ~1969 Mound

19. In 1950, the first members were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Those awarded were Elwood Larson ’49, Henry Hughes ’57, and Henry Geisler ’30.

20. In 1975, all female students were issued keys to their dorms for the first time.

21. In 1979, the theme for homecoming was “Planet Adrian, 2001.”

22. In 1983, a student run security patrol was created. The campus still employs student safety officers today.

23. In 1984, on the 125th anniversary of the college, there was a reenactment of the ox-cart.

24. In 1992, the week of Halloween included a number of events including ghost stories in front of the bell tower, SAE haunted house, Adrian College and Siena Heights costume dance, and a scavenger hunt.

25. Thursday April 10, 2003, was the groundbreaking ceremony of the Ridge Student Center renovation. A “Hard Hat Hoedown” was held and during this event “A section of railing was ceremoniously pulled down from the upper level of the main floor, signaling the start of construction.”

26. “From the report adopted by the Trustees, the value of the property of the Institution, including endowment, grounds, buildings, furniture, apparatus, musical instruments, outlying lands, etc. is estimated at $200,000.” ~Calendar of Adrian College for 1984-85

27. “Students shall not be absent themselves from their rooms over night or leave the city without permission from the president.” ~Calendar of Adrian College

28. “The home accommodations include room (furnished, heated, and lighted) and good board, for which the total charges are $42 per term.” ~Calendar of Adrian College for 1984-85

29. “The furnished rooms have good carpets, beds, bureaus, washstands, tables, chairs, crockery, window shades, and everything needed except towels, soap, and bed clothing, which must be furnished by the occupants.” ~Calendar of Adrian College for 1984-85

30. A March 24, 1861 College World edition invited students to submit articles of modest length discussing why “fraternities [have] been opposed and what is the object or purpose of the opposition.”

31. In 1908 the YMCA had a social that was a “measuring affair.” Entrance was charged based on how a tall a person was, 1c for each foot up to four feet and 1c for every inch over 4 feet. ~April 1909 College World

32. In 1907 some professors were asked who their favorite authors of fiction were. Some of the answers were Charles Dickens (J.D.H. Cornelius), Hawthorne (Sarah J. Knott), Shakespeare (W.J. Gray), Thackeray (L.S. Bowerfind), and Lew Wallace (J.N. Lackey). ~November 1907 College World

33. “By a recent ruling of the Faculty all students are required to take regular gymnasium work . . . if a student is absent from gym his absence is noted the same as in other classes, and he is not allowed to enter any of his classes until he presents a reasonable excuse” ~December 1907 College World

34. “In the gentlemen’s dormitory an ample lavatory has been established much to the delight of the young men. Under the old plan each student was required to keep his washbowl and pitcher and carry the water to and from his room.” ~May 1909 College World

35. The mortgage for the school was burned on the mound on Commencement Sunday 1909, during celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the college. ~The Story of the Semi-Centennial: The Fiftieth Commencement of Adrian College June 13-17, 1909

36. Preparatory School “It is not necessary, as some suppose, to complete a High School course before entering this department.” Students were taught by college professors and had access to the library, museum, and could join literary societies ~Adrian College: For Both Sexes: Preparatory School, Normal School, School of Commerce, School of Music, College of Literature, Science and Arts, School of Theology 1889-90

37. Items in cornerstone of Downs on the first commencement according to Mrs. Bessie Leach Priddy: copies of the daily and weekly expositor and the Watchtower, newspapers of the city, lists of Trustees and Members of the Faculty, a copy of articles of association of the college, a copy of the Bible, and various other papers pertaining to the college. ~Adriad 1920

38. Students of the Star Literary Society were arrested and stood trial on a lawsuit brought by the citizens of Leoni. The members of the society came back to Leoni after the college was moved to get their books, but the citizens of Leoni wanted to keep them to start a public library. Austin Blair, a lawyer in Jackson, who later became governor of Michigan, took their case.

39. During the construction of Ridge Gymnasium, students in North Hall would wake up to find their doors missing. During the night friends would steal the doors off the rooms and place them on the skeleton of the roof of the partially constructed building.

40. In 1939, Scotty, a dog who had lived for 13 years on campus, was given a degree from Adrian College and went through graduation. In 1943, Scotty died and the story of his faithful service appeared in Newsweek.

41. The cane used for the cane ceremony is inscribed with three phrases: Festina lente (Hasten slowly), Semper et studentum (Study is eternal), and Palma non sine labore (There is no victory without work).

42. In 1911, the Adrian football team was undefeated. On the team that year was John Maulbetsch “The Bullet” who is a college hall-of-fame football player. He played for Adrian one year before being recruited by the University of Michigan.

43. During the civil war soldiers of the 4th Michigan Infantry were housed in North Hall. At one time the soldiers stationed at Adrian numbered 1,025.

44. The cane ceremony has undergone changes over the years. The cane has been ceremoniously passed to the next class since 1875 and ribbons have been tied to the cane since 1887.

45. “No society may continue its exercises after half-past nine in the evening without special permission.” ~1879 College Catalog

46. In 1907, the money was finally raised by Alumni and friends of the college to pay off the original college mortgage. ~Adrian: A Souvenir

47. At the opening of Adrian College, tuition for each term was $7.00, room was $2.50, board was $1.75/week, and other expenses (such as wood for furnaces) were $1.00 each term. ~1976 Student Handbook

48. The concrete ‘A’ located in front of Downs Hall was built by the class of 1914. ~1976 Student Handbook

49. The Class of 1963 began the tradition of touching the statue of Abraham Lincoln in the library for good luck. ~1976 Student Handbook

50. “Authentic guest rooms are available to rent in Cargo and Estes Halls for $5.00/single or $9.00/double.” ~1976 Handbook

51. On October 17, 1918, President Feeman issued a quarantine of campus because of an outbreak of the flu. ~1976 handbook (December 12, 1918 College World)

52. On February 9, 1978, the College World reported that water pipes broke on campus causing $2,000 of damage. ~February 9, 1978 College World

53. In 1978, one of the worst snowstorms in history hit Adrian. It took Barb Winters, Mark Garrod, and members of TKE 2 ½ days to clear the paths around campus. ~February 9, 1978 College World

54. “Every fall, the incoming freshman class is required to wear a “beanie” to denote his position in the lower ranks. These are to be worn until homecoming, and if the game is lost, they are to be worn until the first snowfall. ~Adrian Daily Telegram 1957

55. In 1916, the junior class wore bathrobes to chapel in order to mock the senior class who were wearing their caps and gowns.

56. The two smallest graduating classes were 1861 and 1821; they had three and five students respectively.

57. “When the Adrian College football field was located adjacent to Ridge Gym, the place kickers had to be extra careful where they kicked the ball. Coach Heckert explained, ‘Yes, the guys had to be pretty careful where they kicked or they would plant the football through one of the windows in the gym.’” ~March 29, 1974 College World

58. “Coach Heckert recalls one time when a team traveled to Adrian to play and Adrian wasn’t even aware of a game that day.” ~March 29, 1974 College World

59. “Attention All Frosh!! The freshman class must have built on Friday, October 28, a bonfire at least 25 feet in height and ready to be lit immediately following Kangaroo Court. ~October 21, 1949 College World

60. While the South Hall girls were at a dinner party some male students raided their rooms, collected undergarments and hung them from the flagpole. Dr. Dawson responded, “The administration does not condone pranks, but the boys have been so good all spring that we feel we might overlook this little escapade.” ~Adrian Daily Telegram May 14, 1957.

61. In 1940 a poll taken of campus concluded that Adrian students and faculty believe that Longfellow is the most popular poet. ~College World

62. The original campus proposal called for five buildings to be built. The Administration building was the only building out of the original five that was never built. It would have stood between Downs and Science/Cabinet building.

63. “Some of the South Hall girls are brave enough to go to church without escorts.” ~November 5, 1895 College World

64. In the early 1900’s, students stole Dr. Kost’s horse and brought it to campus where they erected a fence around the animal.

65. "Early to bed and early to rise probably means you are enrolled in ornithology. The songs and singers are beautiful, but knowing which is which is strictly for the birds."
~1953 Mound

66. Dr. Elmer Jones was a teacher of Chemistry here at Adrian College from 1907- 1940. During his time here, Jones invented and constructed scientific measuring devices for use in the classroom.

67. The story of the mound is that the class of 1869 built it with the intention of erecting a statue of Asa Mahan on top of it, however the plaque placed on top of the mound causes some doubt to this story. While the mound was built in 1869, all of the builders were from the class of 1872.

68. Because the dining facilities at Adrian were insufficient to feed the 4th Michigan Infantry during the Civil War, the city of Adrian donated $250 for the construction of a mess and dining hall located behind North Hall. Many reports referred to this as a lean-to shed. ~Camp Williams Booklet

69. In 1961, the Natatorium was finished. It included underwater lighting, high and low diving boards, and a depth ranging from 3-12 feet.

70. In 1942 a woman’s physical education program was developed by Ioan Young.

71. The Robert Harsh Memorial Trophy given to the Athlete of the Year from 1950-1956, was named after Robert Harsh, a man who served in World War II, attended Adrian College, and was on his way to serve in Korea when his transport plane exploded.

72. During the 1970’s Adrian College had a clown school.

73. In 1927, there were four social fraternities/sororities on campus; in 1967, there were thirteen; currently, there are eight social fraternities/sororities on campus.

74. In 1867, there were four buildings on campus; in 1927, there were five; in 1967, there were 29 buildings.

75. In 1867, there were 10 faculty members; in 1927, there were 25; in 1967 there were 64.

76. After World War II, there was such an inflow of students that there were not enough rooms to house them, so, 100 students were housed in locations all over Adrian.

77. Ridge Gymnasium took 24 years to complete because of lack of funds. It was finally completed in 1952.

78. In 1867, tuition, room, and board cost $56; adjusted for inflation, the cost was approximately $760 today’s money.

79. In 1947, tuition, room, and board cost $712; adjusted for inflation, the cost was approximately $6,703 today’s money.

80. In 1987, tuition, room, and board cost $8,640; adjusted for inflation, the cost was approximately $15, 727 in today’s money.

81. The minutes for the Star Literary Society show that on September 19, 1862, they debated the question, “Is the Constitution of the United States an Anti-slavery Document?” “The question was decided in the affirmative.” ~Star Literary Society Minutes, September 19, 1862

82. In 1950, there was no Freshman Week because the freshman class outnumbered the other classes on campus. ~1950 Mound

83. In December 1948, the “Sooner or Later” Club was formed. This was a club for married people on campus. ~1950 Mound

84. The Tobias House was opened in 1951. “Five home economics majors and their instructor live in the house . . . the girls and their instructor live together practicing their cooking and sewing on each other.” ~1951 Mound

85. “This years graduating class leaves as their gift to Adrian College; first, an electric clock, with the inscription “Class of ’52.” This is to be placed in North Hall. Second, new shrubbery in front of the library and newly completed gymnasium.” ~1952 Mound

86. “February 3, 1955, many diaries read something like ‘danced to the music of the Dorsey Brothers at the big dance held in the Ridge Gymnasium.’” ~1955 Mound

87. “For the first time this year, Adrian College planned a freshman camp. All freshmen and exchange students spent two and a half days at Judson Collins Methodist camp.” ~1957 Mound

88. “[The] Intercollegiate Woman’s Synchronized Swim competition [was held on campus] during the weekend of April 13, 1962. Women from eight Midwestern colleges participated in the competition.” ~1962 Mound

89. “The Avocation program developed by SACC central committee is designed to provide the students of Adrian College with an opportunity to gain some formal and practical knowledge in areas including judo, candle making, Red Cross Safety and First Aid, horseback riding, and jewelry making.” ~1974 Mound

90. On May 9, 1978, Maynard Ferguson performed in Dawson Auditorium. ~1978 Mound

91. “The Student Activities Council brought forth a new activity this year. In the fall, they held a hunt for the hog. This doesn’t mean that students ran around campus looking for a pig. Hunt for the hog was a hunt for keys. Every day clues were announced over WVAC and these clues led students to the keys, which in turn opened the locks and won them prizes.” ~1990 Mound

92. “Wrestlemania swept over Adrian College in March. Football players entertain student body by dressing up and acting like wrestlers. Can we expect the amusement next year?” ~1990 Mound

93. “Each Spring Chi Psi Omega sponsors the May Pole Dance. At this semi-formal dance, a Queen . . . is crowned and presides over the grand march and the winding of the Maypole.” ~1948 Mound

94. During the time of the Civil War, Asa Mahan, Adrian’s current president, wrote to the War Department, Cabinet members and President Lincoln sending them his suggestions for military strategy in the North. He was ultimately invited to Washington to confer with all three about such tactics. Unfortunately, none of his suggestions were ever put in to action. - AC Archives

95. In 1865, the favorite indoor sport in North Hall was to detach window weights and roll them down the stairs to create bumps in the stairs. – AC Archives

96. Alpha Tau Omega is the oldest fraternity on campus as it was organized in 1881. – AC Archives

97. H.J. Heinz’s name appeared on the list of the board of trustees during the late 1800’s; he was a friend with Dr. Stephens. – AC Archives

98. In the school year 1884-1885 it cost $95.00 to $180.50 to cover one year of schooling at Adrian College. This amount included books, tuition, room and board. – AC Archives

99. Adrian College held its first commencement June 10-12, 1860 with no graduates. It wasn’t until the following year in 1861 that Adrian College graduated its first 3 students (the entire graduating class for that year). - Story of a Noble Devotion

100. In 1875, the first college paper, The Adrian College Recorder, was published. – AC
Archives

101. Between the years 1888-1892, the faculty at Adrian passed a rule that no student could attend the theater. In a display of rebellion, 14 South Hall girls snuck out and attended the Shakespeare play that was in town. In the theater the girls ran in to a college professor and several theologs. They were given demerits for their rebellious act but voiced their opinion on the unfairness that the college professor whom also attended the play got away ‘scot-free.’ – Story of a Noble Devotion

102. 1888-1892 saw the first Thousand Mile Walk at Adrian College. This event involved a
lengthy promenade through the halls and parlors of South Hall where the young women
would be escorted by the young men and in doing so would engage in conversation and
ultimately create acquaintances. – Story of a Noble Devotion

103. For many years, Adrian College’s SAE chapter was known for their annual October Bathtub pull in which members of the fraternity would pull a bathtub from Toledo to Detroit to raise money for charity. – AC Archives

104. The first formal Cane Ceremony took place at the 1921 commencement ceremony. – AC Archives

105. John H. Dawson had the longest presidency thus far in Adrian College history. – AC
Archives

106. During the winter months of 1898, one of the activities that Adrian College students
participated in was a ten mile sleigh ride into the countryside. – AC Archives

107. One of the student pranks in the 1930’s involved putting limburger cheese in the radiators in the North Hall classrooms. – AC Archives

108. The College World has been Adrian College’s school newspaper since 1885. – AC Archives

109. The first sorority at Adrian College was organized in 1882 and was known as Kappa Kappa Gamma. – AC Archives

110. In 1859, North and South Hall were built as the first and second buildings on Adrian’s
campus. – www.adrian.edu

111. In 1859, the first student organization, Star Literary Society, was formed. – www.adrian.edu

112. In 1873, Adrian College granted the first Bachelor of Music degree in the United States to one of its students. – www.adrian.edu

113. The number of trustees on the Board governing Adrian College was increased from 12 to 30 on June 29, 1870. – 1909 Semi-Centennial Souvenir of Adrian College

114. Asa Mahan was the first college president to graduate a woman. – 1909 Semi-Centennial Souvenir of Adrian College

115. The Adrian College catalogue of 1860-61 registered 212 students. – 1909 Semi-Centennial Souvenir of Adrian College

116. The Adrian College Alumni Association was organized in June of 1873, when a constitution was adopted. The Association was incorporated in 1880. – 1909 Semi-Centennial Souvenir of Adrian College

117. In 1894 Metcalf Hall was opened, a memorable banquet celebrating the event. – 1909 Semi-Centennial Souvenir of Adrian College

118. In 1896 Chapel Hall was remodeled through the beneficence of Jordan Downs. – 1909
Semi-Centennial Souvenir of Adrian College

119. During the 1978-79 school year, the biology department, for the first time, was recipient of a gift of cadavers for dissection. The gift caused some stir in the College World. – A
History of Adrian College

120. Soccer became a varsity sport in the fall of 1978, after many years of striving. – A History of Adrian College

121. 1937 marked the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity on campus. – 1937 Mound

122. The Alpha Mu chapter of Alpha Tau Omega, founded on campus in 1881, bears the
distinction of being the oldest fraternity on the AC campus. – 1937 Mound

123. The first completed Mound yearbook was published by the class of 1937. An earlier attempt was unsuccessful 17 years prior. – 1937 Mound

124. The first school paper to be called the College World was published in 1885 by the literary societies, Star, Lambda Phi and Theological. – 1937 Mound

125. The Sunday evening record concerts put on by Professor and Mrs. Miles Peelle are looked forward to with great anticipation by the students. – 1945 Mound

126. Under the careful guidance of Miss Ioan Young, head of the physical education department,girls tend to lose their spare tires around their waists and bulges around their hips in her classes. – 1945 Mound

127. The purpose of the Home Economics Club is to provide for the professional development of home economics students. During the school year, the club sponsors demonstrations in cake decorating, cosmetics, gift wrapping, and other areas of interest. – 1960 Mound

128. Chi Psi Omega was founded in 1946 and is the oldest sorority on campus. The group
sponsored a “Getting to Know You” dance at the beginning of the academic year. – 1960
Mound

129. For the first time this year, Adrian College planned a freshman camp. All freshmen and
exchange students spent two and a half days at Judson Collins Methodist camp, where upper-classmen were present as student counselors. – 1957 Mound

130. Mahan Hall was officially open this year in Feb., housing the Humanities Division. –
1965 Mound

131. Several Palm Sunday tornados touched down in the Lenawee County area, leaving massdestruction and countless homeless. AC students were among the volunteers who helped to clean up the area afterwards, and also helped the Red Cross by donating blood. – 1965 Mound

132. In 1885, six bachelor of music degrees were awarded (all to women). – A History of Adrian College

133. The shepherd’s crook made its first appearance at the 1885 Class Day activities. It was
made of a “good sized sapling,” bent in semblance of a shepherd’s crook. – A History of
Adrian College

134. The Student Union Council, the student governing body of the College, brought two well
known groups to campus, “The Lettermen” and “The Four Freshmen.” - 1964 Mound

135. Tentative plans are being developed for the expansion of Rush Union. – 1964 Mound

136. On April 24, 1964, Alpha Chi was introduced to the state and to Adrian College, during a candle-lighting ceremony. Alpha Chi is a National Honor Society open only to juniors and
seniors ranking in the top ten per cent of the class. – 1964 Mound

137. As a service to the adults of the community who are employed during the day, the college offers a large selection of late afternoon, evening, and Saturday morning classes.
Approximately 30 classes are offered each semester. – 1964-65 Academic Catalog

138. A student must earn 60 extra-curricular points to graduate. Participation may be in chapel, off campus cultural activities, great books, College organizational activities, or religious and community service activities. – 1964-65 Academic Catalog

139. There are no free class cuts. Absences before or after a vacation may be counted as double absences. – 1964-65 Academic Catalog

140. The Adrian College swim team won its first MIAA meet, downing Calvin. The Bulldogs set four school and four pool records and tied another pool record in the process. – The Daily Telegram Feb. 13, 1970

141. It took the Adrian College Bulldogs 50 years to beat the Albion Britons on their home floor and they did it in glorious fashion at Albion, 69-65. – The Daily Telegram Jan. 18, 1955

142. The 1954-55 men's basketball team, coached by Joe Fortunato, won the MIAA
championship in a playoff with Calvin College and defeated Detroit Tech 79-72 for the
honor of representing Michigan in the NAIA Kansas City Tournaments. – The Daily
Telegram

143. Tuition for the 1969-71 academic year was $1,500.00. – 1969-71 Academic Catalog

144. There are 68 full-time Adrian College faculty and 38 part-time faculty. – 1994-96 Academic Catalog

145. The average number of freshmen students per class is 20; average size of an upper level class is 9. – 1994-96 Academic Catalog\

146. Adrian College built up a big halftime lead and then coasted to a 77-66 victory over
Aquinas at Grand Rapids. It was the Bulldogs’ seventh straight win of the season. They are
now the only undefeated college team in the state. – The Daily Telegram Jan. 5, 1955

147. Since Dr. John Dawson began his presidency in Feb. 1955, 13 new buildings and a new athletic field have been achieved. In addition, two homes have been acquired for fraternity homes. – 1964-65 Academic Catalog

148. The campus facilities are also used by Michigan State University and the University of
Michigan. They offer non-credit courses for the general public and both undergraduate and
graduate courses for credit. – 1964-65 Academic Catalog

149. It is the wish of the College that no student should marry after matriculation unless with the consent of the parents and after advising with the administration. – 1971-73 Academic
Catalog

150. Adrian College allows upperclassmen only to have motor vehicles on campus. Freshmen are not permitted to operate or store such vehicles. – 1971-73 Academic Catalog