| From
the January 26, 2006, edition of “Northwest This Week.”
The following is excerpted
from “Transitions: A Hundred Years of Northwest” by
Dr. Janice Brandon-Falcone. An illustrated history of the University’s
first 100 years, “Transitions” is available from the
Bearcat Bookstore on the first floor of the J.W. Jones Student
Union. The book can also be purchased online at www.nwmissouri.bkstore.com
or by calling (660) 562-1246 (ext. 1246 on campus).
In spring 1906, the Board of Regents called
for plans for an academic hall as the primary and main building
of the Normal School, a power house for a heating plant, and landscaping.
By fall of that year, the architectural firm of J.H. Felt &
Co. began work, only to be stopped in February 1907 because the
Legislature had yet to pass an appropriations bill to pay for
it. Work on the foundation resumed in May, and by fall the foundation
was completed and ready to receive a cornerstone. Laying the cornerstone
was a day of celebration that the school officials hoped would
smooth over the financial troubles and the animosity brought on
by a change of presidents. The event brought out large crowds,
music, decorations (in the school colors of red and white), the
Board, educational leaders from around the state, and politicians
to spare.
… Even after the state appropriated
the money, construction dragged on, slowed, stopped, started again,
and was interrupted because of financial difficulties with the
state and the immediate attention needed for rotting joists in
the president’s house. One year gave way to the next, and
the Administration Building stood unfinished.
… On September 30, 1910, the
building was not completely finished but was close enough that
it was ready for occupancy. The students were given a holiday.
Faculty members put down their books, papers, and chalk and picked
up cleaning supplies and brooms. From Friday until Sunday night,
they cleaned and moved in. On Monday, October 3, classes began
in the new building.
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