Adrian College History
Landmarks, Legends, & Lore

Adrian College evolved from a theological institute founded by the Wesleyan Methodist denomination at Leoni, Michigan, a small town east of Jackson, in 1845. In 1855 this institute united with the Leoni Seminary, a Methodist Protestant institution, to establish Michigan Union College.

Legend states that members of the College became concerned about the environment at Leoni, which was nicknamed "Whiskey Town." In 1859, this concern and other circumstances made it advisable to relocate or close. In the same year, Dr. Asa Mahan, pastor of the Plymouth Congregational Church in Adrian and a well-known educator, was encouraged by citizens of the community to establish a college. Mahan had served as the first president of Oberlin College and, before that, as an officer of Lane Theological Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Dr. Mahan and his colleagues invited the officials and supporters of the closing Michigan Union College to join in establishing the new college at Adrian. After the invitation was accepted, the story says, the library holdings were loaded on an ox-cart in March 1859, and transported 60 miles to the new campus site on the west side of Adrian.

On March 28, 1859, Adrian College was chartered by the Michigan legislature as a degree-granting institution with Dr. Mahan as its first president. Through a series of consolidations and denomination unifications, the College has maintained its relationship with The United Methodist Church.

For almost 100 years, the campus consisted of several brick buildings stretching along Madison Street. Most of today's campus was woods and fields. In the mid-1950s, the College, encouraged by the generosity of Ray W. Herrick, embarked in a building program that established the basis for the current campus.

Today, when students walk in the area bounded on the east by Madison Street and edged by Downs Hall, Valade Hall, Cornelius House and Herrick Tower, they tread on the same ground that students hurried across in 1859 as they rushed to classes, meals and social events. Now, however, the campus consists of 100 acres, over 20 academic and service buildings and 10 residence halls, plus apartments and themed housing.


Landmarks, Legends and Lore

Downs Hall - Built in 1860, Downs is the only building remaining from Adrian's original campus. The structure now houses the Stubnitz Art Gallery and the Downs Hall Theatre. The building has served several functions through the years. Local legend contends it is the home of the Downs Hall Ghost, and students tell tales of late-night footsteps and strange sounds. photo
The "A" - The class of 1914 placed a large concrete "A" at the front of campus near Madison Street. The structure is traditionally reserved for engaged couples only. photo
The Mound - The class of 1869 wanted to leave Adrian College a gift of unique distinction. Since money was hard to acquire during the days immediately following the Civil War, the class used the good earth for its memorial as a symbol of Adrian's strength. They intended to erect a statue of Asa Mahan, the College's first president; however, the funds did not materialize. The statue was never erected and the mound has stood since that day at the front of the campus. photo
The One Piece Threshold - One of the oldest landmarks of the College is an old stone threshold now used as a seat near the entrance to North Hall. The step was originally placed in front of North Hall in December 1859. photo
South Hall Bell - For more than 100 years, the College Bell hung in the cupola atop South Hall. It rang for classes, meals and daily chapel services as well as weddings, funerals, graduations and other special occasions. In 1960, South Hall was torn down to make way for the Herrick Carillon Tower. Placed inside the tower, the bell remained silent and was almost forgotten until the Class of 1984 donated funds to move the bell to a place near Shipman Library. The Class of 1999 provided funds to incorporate the bell into the entrance walkway of the renovated library. photo
The Rock - Originally, according to the story, the rock was about three times larger because it was all above ground. The story claims that a transfer student from Albion and two friends decided in 1962 to do, "the biggest thing to hit Adrian that year!" Under the cover of darkness, they buried it. Eventually, part of it resurfaced. Students have painted it countless times with varying messages and themes.
The Cane Ceremony - A few years ago, the Alumni Office polled alumni on their favorite memory of Adrian College. Topping the list was the Cane Ceremony, which follows commencement every spring. Grace Wells Haviland, president of the class of 1921, carried the Shepherd's Crook to the Mound during the fist outdoor Cane Ceremony in the College's history. Today, the ceremony is performed on the commencement stage and each year the graduating class affixes its colors to the Shepherd's Crook. These colored ribbons are imprinted with the names of each graduate from the class. The president of the class then hands it to the president of the next class. Though the Cane Ceremony began in 1921, the cane itself - and the custom of affixing class colors to it - dates back to 1887. The date 1887 and the words Non Sine Labote (Climb Without Falling) are carved on the staff. The monument located in front of the Mound commemorates the Cane Ceremony. It was a gift to the College from the Class of 1987.
The Outdoor Chapel - The rustic outdoor "chapel in the woods" was located where the Adrian College Chapel now sits. Outdoor services were held on rough benches. Students of 50 years ago warmly tell of spending quiet time in the lovely place.