Monday marked the 127th birthday of NC State University. While the university, initially dubbed the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, was established on March 7 of 1887, it officially opened on Oct. 3, 1889. As one might conclude, quite a lot has changed since the wide-eyed freshman set foot in Holladay Hall, which encompassed the entirety of the university. Today, the chancellor and administrators occupy the space where professors and students once strolled. In observance of NC State’s heritage, conjure up a picture of what life was like for students in its primitive days.
1889: Enrollment and Holladay Hall
The university existed wholly in the “Main Building,” which is now known as Holladay Hall. The building consists of 1.5 million bricks originating from the state prison in Raleigh. Though 52 students were in the freshman class, eventually 72 enrolled, living in the second and third floors of “Old Main.” The youngest students were 14, according to NCSU Libraries.
In 1915, the building was renamed in commemoration of Alexander Holladay, who served as the president of the university from 1889-1899. Though he applied to teach English, he was offered the honorable position as president.
The first floor housed the professors’ offices, classrooms and a library of books that professors donated. Venture down to the basement and you’d stumble across the dining hall, gym, science laboratories and kitchen, according to NCSU Libraries. Students coped without running water and electricity.
Bargaining tuition
If students tried to negotiate their tuition today, it might raise a few eyebrows. However, it was commonplace for students to complete chores for a reduced tuition. One could clean, be a waiter, chimney sweep etc. to lessen the burden of the $130 tuition. Still, all students of the first freshman class were required to complete some sort of manual labor.
Classes commence
Students paid $20 per class and had a choice of pursuing a Bachelor of Science in agriculture or mechanics. A handful of faculty members delivered the class sessions.
The first librarian
Daniel Harvey Hill was appointed as the first librarian of the college and doubled as an English professor. Less than 20 years later, Hill became president of the college.
1890: Second Morrill Act
The Second Morrill Act was set into place, requiring states to provide technical education for African-Americans, according to NCSU Libraries.
1890: First female employed
Sue C. Carroll was appointed supervisor of the living quarters and Cadet Hospital, the student health center.
1890: Memorial Oak planted
Take a look at the chancellor’s seal and you’ll see a few massive trees, one of which was planted by the first class; it died in 1990 of fungal disease. According to NCSU Libraries, some of its wood was constructed into a table for the chancellor’s office.
1891: North Carolina College of Agricultural and Technical College established in Greensboro [now North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University]
1892: First football game kicks off
The first official football game was played against Raleigh Academy. North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts defeated the local high school at 12-6.
1892: The first foreign student, Cuban Jose Fabio Santo, enrolls in the university.
1893: A&M unveils the first dormitory building
1893: Commencement
President Holladay sits among the first graduating class; 19 students received degrees, according to NCSU Libraries.
Circa 1893: 19 of the original 72 freshmen pose at the first commencement.
