Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes – 1880 [Begin page 359] March 16th 1880 The Board met at 8 O.Clock P.M. in the Secretary's office Present H.G. Wells J Webster Childs Franklin Wells Geo W. Phillips. Milton J Gard H.G. Reynolds Pres. T.C. Abbot & the The minutes of last meeting were read & approved Secretary. ^ The members of the College Faculty were all present during the first evening session & presented matters to the Board connected with their Several dep'ts The Secretary was excused from the meeting of the Board for the hour from five to six tomorrow afternoon to give a lecture in the Chapel Meeting adjourned till Eight O.Clock tomorrow morning Eight Oclock Wednesday morning Board met. all the members present [Joint Meetg.] It was Resolved that the Board learn with pleasure that the officers & members of the Executive Committee will visit the college of the State Agricultural Society ^ June 10th and that the Board will hold a meeting commencing on the evening of June 9th for the transaction of business & to meet with them. Resolved that the President of the College extend an invitation to the Master & Executive Committee of the State m Grange, also the President Secretary and Executive Com^ittee of the State [illegible in original] Society [Report] It was resolved that Prof. Johnson, the President & Secretary of the College be a committee to investigate the matter of a report of the Farm Dep't for the year ending August, 31st 1879 with a view to having such a report if found practicable to be published in the Secretary's Report for 1879 [Mechl. Dept.] It was resolved that the Charge of the Mechanical Dept be given to Sec'y Baird [End page 359] [Begin page 360] [Mechl. Dept.] It was resolved that the Head of the Mechanical Dep't be allowed to express thirty dollars for tools & to pur chase a stack of material to be used in repairing at a cost not to exceed one hundred & twenty dollars [Mac Ewan] It was resolved that the position filled by Prof Mac Ewen be Known as the Professorship of English Language & Literature & Librarian [Student's Certificate] It was Resolved that no officer enroll a Student in any class until the student until the o has exhibited to the officer a certificate of the Secretary that his bills are paid. Also that no Student shall hire a room & seat at the Boarding Hall table who shall delay the payment of his bills for more than three days after Com- ing to the College. [Stairway (Society Room?)] The Superintendent of the Mechanical Dep't was required to have the Stair way opened leading to the Mansard on the East side of the Boarding Hall. [Military] It was resolved that the Faculty be requested to keep up the voluntary military Company at the College. [Fair Exhibit] It was Resolved that the Chemical Dep't make an exhibition at the Fair of the State agricultural Society this fall in accordanse with the plan proposed by Dr Kedzie [Cellar Window] It was resolved that a window be put in the North end of the room used as a cellar in the dwelling assigned to Prof. Mac Ewen [New Dwelling] The Building Comittee reported that they have examined the new dwelling & find it completed according to contract excepting the jointing of the Stone wall & the putting in of one register & some changes required for Safety in the hot air passages & recommend that the Secretary be directed to accept the building & settle with Messers Fulley & Wheeler on being certified by Messers Watkins & Arnold (architects) that these things have been done according to contract. Adopted [Museum] It was Resolved that Pres. Abbot & Prof Cook be authorized to expend the unexpended balanse of the appropriation for the museum Moved & Seconded that a recess be taken till two OClock P.M Carried At two OClock P.M. the Board met [Ice Pond] Moved & Seconded that the Hort. Dep't excavate a place for a pond near the ice house for the formation of ice. Motion did not prevail [End page 360] [Begin page 361] [Privy] It was resolved that the Mechanical Dep't construct a privy west of the Green House A recess was taken till 7 OClock and the committees went to examine matters connected with the buildings & the industrial departments Evening Session The Board met at 7. P.M. [Farm Report] It was resolved that all that part of Prof. Johnson's Report referring to crops and permanent improvements cattle barn) be adopted (including painting of Farm Building. Repair of Herdsman's House. & lean of ^ [Peri Duchess] Authorization was given to Geo W. Phillips to purchase 2d the Short Horn Heifer "Peri Duchess ^ " at a cost not to ex- ceed one thousand dollars [Stock] Permission was given to Prof. Johnson to refund five hundred dollars in the improvement of the College Stock. [Teams] Also to sell the old Farm team & the colts & to purchase a good work team [Tools etc] Also to purchase one harrow. 1 two horse cultivator one Set Harness. One Platform Spring wagon 2 platform Scales (for piggery & Cow barn) and a hay Scale. [Old tools] The Committee of Farm Management reported recommending that Prof Johnson be authorized to sell the [condemned?] implements & machinary belonging to the College. The recommendation was adopted. [Prof. Barn] Moved & Seconded that Prof. Johnson be author- ized to build a barn in Connection with his house similar to those of the other Professors. Motion did not prevail [Gr. H. Ventilator] It was resolved that certain unpaid bills in connection with the completion of the Green House be paid & charged to Hort Dept Cur. Expense & that prof Beal be authorized to purchase 140 f't of inch gas pipe to put in the ventilators of the Green House. [Well] It was Resolved that Prof. Carpenter be authorized to Secure a drive well & pump to be located near the outside station the west side of the Boarding Hall The Mechanical Dep't was requested to erect a privy on the West side of the G. House. [Painting] It was resolved that the Horticultural Barn be painted in connection with the Painting of the Far Buildings under supervision of Prof. Johnson [Hardy Apples] It was resolved & Seconded that Prof. Beal be authorized to expend 20 dollars in the purchase of hardy apple trees from Iowa Motion did not prevail. [End page 361] [Begin page 362] [Lawn Mower] It was resolved that the Hort. Dep't be authorized to purchase a new Horse Lawn Mower provided the old won one cannot be made Serviceable any longer. [Painting] It was resolved that the Secretary be authorized to have the addition to the Gardener's rooms painted the Same color as the rest of the Green House Meeting adjourned till June 9th at 8. O.Clock P.M. R.G. Baird Secretary June 9th The Board met in the office of the Secretary at 8 OClock P.M. The members present were H.G. Wells. J. Webster Childs Franklin Wells Milton J. Gard H.G Reynolds & T.C. Abbot. The meeting was called to order by the the Vice President. W Childs who called upon the several members of the Faculty for suggestions in regard to their Several Dep'ts After hearing from the Faculty the Board adjourned to meet at 8½ O. Clock tomorrow morning [Joint Meetg.] June 10th 8½ OClock A.M. the Board met same members present as on previous evening the soon after ^ meeting was called to order the Pres. of the Board H.G. Wells arrived & announced that the guests of the Board were now arriving from the city (the Executive Committees of the State Ag'l Society, the State [illegible in original] Society & the State Grange being the guests of the Board for the day) whereupon the Board adjourned till 7 OClock P.M. Seven OClock P.M. The Board met & was called to order by Pres. H.G Wells The minutes of the last Board meeting were read & approved. The Building Committee reported that they had made an examination of the Botanical Lab- oratory & found that the Building was very nearly Com- pleted. [Botanl. Lab.y] It was resolved that the Secretary be authorized to settle with Messers Fuller & Wheeler [End page 362] [Begin page 363] when the Architects. certify to him that the Building has been Completed according to Contract. [Botanl. Lab.y] Prof. Beal was authorized to expend not to exceed ten dollars for curtains to the windows of the main floor of the Bot. Laboratory also [Lawn Mower] To purchase a hand lawn mower at nine dollars [Chairs] Also: To expend $42.30 for chairs in new Laboratory that being the Am't of Contractors estimate for Stoves for the Same [Thoman Claim] Resolved that Mr Fox be instructed to com- pare his books with those of Mr Thoman with reference to a claim made by Mr Thoman against the Boarding Hall with a view to ascertain whether the claim should be allowed. [Addtnl. Instructn.] It was resolved that Pres. Abbot be authorized to Supply additional instruction for the Autumn term. [Wardrobe] It was resolved that Prof. Mac Ewan have a wardrobe put in one of the rooms of the house occupied by him. [Hortl. Dept. Fences & Drain] It was resolved that the Hort. Dep't have charge of the Fences & drains connected with the ground under their care. [Well] Dr Kedzie Prof. Carpenter & Mr Fox were appointed a committee to locate a well for the Boarding Hall, the Same to be constructed under the Superintendence of Prof. Carpenter [B.S.] It was resolved that the Pres. of the College be authorized to confer the Degree of Bachelor of Science upon & and give a Diploma to Mr. Frank A. Gully & the members of the last years Senior class who have returned to study when they shall have been declared by vote of the Faculty to have completed with the usual conditions of such honors [Observatory] It was resolved that Prof. Carpenter be authorized to Construct a Small brisk house in which to mount the telescope from the appropriation to the Mechanical De Mathematical Dep't. The structure to be located by Pres. Abbot. [Hand Cart] It was: Resolved that the Secretary of the Board be Author- ized to purchase a hand cart for the Mechanical Dep't [Society Room] A request from the ΔτΔ Society with regard to a partition in the Attic of Williams Hall and asking permission to put a doorway through the brick partition now in the attic way referred to Secretary Baird & Prof. Carpenter [Leave of Absence] Pres. Abbot was granted leave of absence for four weeks during the present term [ " " "] A three weeks leave of absence during the present term was granted to Dr Kedzie. [End page 363] [Begin page 364] [Gulley Resigns] Mr Frank A. Gulley tendered his resignation as foreman of the Hort Dept which was accepted Adjourned till 7½ tomorrow morning Friday morning 7½ A.M. The Board met [Insurance] The Secretary was instructed to insure the Botanical Laboratory in two good Companies whole risk ($5,000) five thousand dollars [Paint Gr. H.] It was resolved that an amount not to exceed twenty dollars be expended in painting the inside of the new Green House [Steam Works] Resolved that the repairs of the Steam works be in charge of Prof Carpenter The Board adjourned to meet in the Secretary's Office Monday eve Aug 23d. 1880 R.G.Baird Secretary Aug 23d 1880 The Board met at the Secretarys office at 8.O.C. P.M. Present Messers Phillips Gard Reynolds & President Abbot. Pres. Abbot & Professors Carpenter & Johnson presented some matters connected with the College after which the Board adjourned till 8.O.Clock tomorrow morning Eight O Clock Tuesday morning Board met Same members present as on previous there not being a quorum present evening. It was resolved ^(that when this to meeting) ^ Adjourn (it Adjourin) to meet at the Russell House Tuesday Eve. Sept 14th at Eight OClock P.M NOTE: In the original, there is a VOID marking from this entry through the middle of page 365: R G Baird, Secy. [Sheep] It was resolved that five hundred dollars be used from the Farm Dep't Sp. App in the purchase of registered fine wool sheep the purchase to be made by Franklin Wells & Prof Johnson [Leaks] The Secretary was appointed a com mittee to the leakage in the Botanical Laboratory especially to call the attention of the architects to the defect & if possible have them make the necessary repair [Gate] It was resolved that the gate now on trial at the West Entrance to the College grounds be purchase if in the judgement [End page 364] [Begin page 365] of Prof. Carpenter it be found Satisfactory after sufficient trial. [Privies] It was resolved that the teamster on the Hort. Dep't attend to the cleaning of the privies and that he be allowed at the rate of twenty-five cents an hour for this work. It was resolved that the resolutions passed at this meeting, except that of adjournment be referred to the Board at next meet for approval It was resolved that the Board do now adjourn. not There ^ being a quorum present the above was merely regarded as for the guidance of officers of the College until next Board meeting R G Baird Secy Tuesday Evening Sep 14th 1880 Board met at the Russell House Detroit. Present H.G. Wells. Franklin Wells Geo W. Phillips Milton J. Gant & President Abbot & the Secretary [Sheep] It was resolved that five hundred dollars be used from the Sp. App. to the Farm Dep't in the purchase of registered fine wooled sheep. The purchase to be made by Franklin Wells & Professor Johnson [Leaks] The Secretary was appointed a Committee to attend to the leakage of the Botanical Laboratory. especially to call the attention of the Architects to the same & if possible have them make the necessary repair. [Gate] Prof. Carpenter was authorized to purchase the gate on trial at the West entrance to the College ground. if in his judgement it is found to be satisfactory [Scavenger] It was resolved that the teamster on the Horticultural Department be allowed twenty five cents an hour. for attending to the privies cleaning of the privies, to be done outside of the regular work hours [Johnson Barn] It was resolved that a Barn at Prof Johnsons house be built at a cost not to exceed $300.00 [Hose] The Steward was authorized to purchase sixty feet of Hose for his use at the Hall [Paint Gr. H.] Prof Beal was authorized to expend eight dollars on paint for the Green House [End page 365] [Begin page 366] [Banks of Cedar] It was resolved that the Prof. of Agriculture with the advance and suggestions of the Landscape Gardener (Mr Oliver) be instructed to have the banks of Cedar River from the East side of the Farm to the West line of the piggery cleared of rubbish & seeded to the water's edge [Circular] It was resolved that the Faculty be authorized to issue a circular & defer the publication of a Catalogue till next spring. [Anthem Books] Pres. Abbot was authorized to purchase anthem books for the choir & case in which to keep the books. Adjourned to meet at 10 Oclock tomorrow morning in the rooms of the Pres. of the Ag'l Society on the fair ground Ten Oclock A.M Wednesday Sep 15th The Board convened with the Same members present as on previous evening. [Fox, Salary] It was resolved that the Salary of Mr Fox be at the rate of Seven hundred dollars a year. to begin from Sep. 1st 1880. The Board then adjourned to meet at the Secretary's office Oct 11th at 8 Oclock P.M. R.G. Baird Secretary Oct 11th 1880 The Board met in the Secretary's office at 8 OClock P.M. The following members were present. H.G. Wells Franklin Wells J Webster Childs Milton F Gard & pres. T.C. Abbot. The members of the Faculty were present & made a statement regarding the matter under their charge after which the Board adjourned till 8 OClock tomorrow morning. Tuesday morning Oct 12th Board met same members present as on previous evening. [R.F: Kedzie Resigns] It was resolved that the resignation of Robert F Kedzie, dating from Sep. 15 be accepted [F: Kedzie Salary] It was resolved that Frank S. Kedzie be appointed Assistant in Chemistry with Salary at the rate of eight hundred (800.) dollars a year: term of service to commense from Sep 15th 1880. [Carpenter Work] It was resolved that the Mechanical Dept be authorized to charge the other Departments two dollars a day for the work of Carpenter. & when on work occupying but a fraction of a day twenty five cents an hour [End page 366] [Begin page 367] The Board took a recess till One½ Oclock On meeting at ½ past one the board in company with Prof. Johnson went to visit the farm. Spending the afternoon in examining the Stock of the various operations of the farm Dep't & met again at the Secretary's office at 7. O.Clock P.M. [No Asst. Foreman] It was resolved that we approve of the plans of the Prof. of Agriculture relative to the employ- ment of hands on the farm – the teams & the [illegible in original] with an assistant & foreman [Stock] It was resolved that Prof. Johnson be authorized to expend not to exceed twelve hundred dollars on Short Horn Cattle (bull & heifers) to be paid from Sales [Oven] It was resolved that the oven of the Boarding Hall be [relaid?] with fire brick as soon as may be after the Close of the present term in Charge of Prof Carpenter [Tools Well] Prof Carpenter was authorized to expend $15.00 in the purchase of tools needed for repairs in brick & iron also to have the well at Wells Hall deepened [Painting] The Secretary was authorized to have the Houses of Pres. Abbot & Profs Cook & Carpenter painted outside two coats & the beams connected with the houses of the Faculty painted one Coat except the barn now in course of erection which is to have two coats Adjourned till 8 O.Clock tomorrow morning Wednesday 8 OClock A.M. [Privy] It was resolved that the Mechanical Dep't build a privy for the use of the Students in connection with Wells Hall. the location to be decided upon by Pres Abbot Sec'y Baird & Prof. Beal. The remainder of the forenoon was occupied in considering the estimates for 1881 & 2 Board adjourned took a recess at noon having arranged with Prof. Beal to go with him at half past one O.Clock to visit the grounds in charge of the Hort. Dept returning for a business session at 4 OClock P.M. Afternoon Session The following resolutions relating to the management of the Horticultural Dep't were adopted [Beal relieved of Hortl. Dept.] Resolved that Prof. Beal be relieved of the charge of the Horticultural Department from the time that provision shall be made for its management by the Board & that his duties shall be class room instruction [End page 367] [Begin pge 368] (including Botany. Horticulture. Landscape Gardening & such other studies as shall be assigned him) and the out of door instruction of Students working in the Horticultural Department without com pensation & such experiments as he may be authorized to prosecute [Arboretum etc] Resolved that the botanic gardens and Arboretum be managed under the general advice of Prof. Beal except as to the management of labor and expenditure of funds [Supt Hortl. Dept.] Resolved that a Superintendent of the Horticultural Department be appointed who shall have charge of the property of the Dep't in general, keep its books, take charge of grounds, drains orchards & the labor of Students in the Department. [Veg. Garden] Resolved that a vegetable Gardener be employed to take charge of the vegetable garden and small fruits implement who shall apply to the Sup't of the Hort Dep't for team work & ^ labor of Students [Blinds] It was Resolved that Prof. Johnson be authorized to pro cure blinds for the house occupied by him [Asst. in Mathemat] Pres. Abbot was authorized to secure an assistant in mathematics at an expense not to exceed $600. a year [Political Econ.] It was Resolved that a professor or instructor in Political Economy & other English branches be employed [Kitchen floor] Prof. Carpenter was authorized to have a stone floor put in the kitchen of the Boarding Hall; the work to be done as soon as practicable [Repairs] The Mechanical Dep't was instructed to have the potting house repaired, plastered & painted [Furnishing] Prof Beal was authorized to purchase for his office at the Laboratory, a carpet or matting an office desk tables & 4 Chairs: also curtains for the Laboratory windows. [Painting etc] Mr Fox was authorized to have the rooms occupied by him also the public parlor & bedroom adjoin- ing Kalsomined & painted as soon as practicable and to have the dining room painted & kalsomined after the close of the term. [ " ] Pres. Abbot was authorized to have the halls & wood- work of his house painted & the roof rapaired [Books] It was Resolved that the Faculty be authorized to expend a sum for books for the Library equal to that received during the last fiscal year for extra examinations [Extra Labor] It was resolved that inasmuch as the Horticul- tural Dep't has not had the usual opportunity to Secure the Supervision of Seniors over the labor that [End page 368] [Begin page 369] we authorize the payment of the bill of Messers Latta Rem ington & Davis for Supervision of work The board adjourned till 7 O.Clock P.M. Seven Oclock P.M. the Board met. The evening Session was spent in Considering a bill of estimates was adopted the board the estimates ^. Adjourned till 8 OClock tomorrow morning Thursday morning 8 OClock [Fire Ladders] The Board met. It was resolved: that fifty dollars be appropriated out of funds on hand to furnish for the general use of the college a good & Substantial set of ladders. to be kept in Some place easy of access to all so that they may be ready in case of fire & to be in charge of the Mech- anical Dep't. [Johnson House] It was resolved that Prof. Johnson be authorized to have the inside of this house painted two coats & put a grout bottom in the cellar. [Society Rooms] It was resolved. that the petition of the Eclectic Society be referred to Pres. Abbot & that he be authorized to open the stair on the East side of the Hall for the use of the Eclectic Society or to give additional room on the stair landing on the West side as he may deem best. [Ladies' Hall] It was resolved that the following estimate for the establishment of a Female Dep't at the Agricul- tural College be laid before the Legislature. Said estimate to be presented separate from the general estimates for the Support of the College and to constitute a distinct bill to be acted upon apart from the general College bill. The items of this estimate aggregating fifteen thousand Six hundred dollars are as follows Laidies Hall $12,000.00 Furnishing the same 2,000.00 Teacher for 1882 1,000. Matron " " 600. Aggregate 15,600 [Legislative Com.] It was resolved that. H.G. Wells Pres. of the Board & Mr Franklin Wells be a Committee to present the estimates to the Legislature. [Secty's Salary] It was resolved that from Oct. 1st 1880 Mr Baird be paid for his Services as Secretary of the Board at the [End page 369] [Begin page 370] rate of five hundred dollars a year. Adjourned till 7 OClock P.M. [Institutes] The Subject of Farmer's Institutes occupied the evening It was decided to hold the Institutes during the coming winter as follows Ionia Jany 11th & 12th Delegation Johnson Beal Baird & Carpenter Bangor Jan'y 13th & 14th Delegation Dr Kedzie Cook Baird MacEwan & Frank S. Kedzie Jany Hudson ^ 18th & 19 Delegation Baird Abbot Johnson & Beal. Battle Creek Jany 20th & 21st Delegation Beal Abbot Johnson Mac Ewan & Cassidy Del. Oxford Feby 1st & 2d ^ Carpenter Cook Dr Kedzie & Cassidy Vassar Feby 3d & 4th Delegation Cook Abbot Kedzie Carpenter & Latta. Adjourned till 8 O.Clock tomorrow morning [Ladies' Hall] Board met. It was moved by Mr Child & Second ed by Mr Gard. Resolved: That in the rapid advance which is now being made in all the States in improved educational methods, it is right to extend all these advantages as well to girls as boys. We therefore express the opinion that in our estimation it is the duty of the Legislature to provide means to erect the necessary buildings to give accommodation to girls at the Agricul tural College: this provision is demanded as we think by a wide spread & well defined public opinion : it was shown at the Last Session of the Legislature by numerous petitions & [illegible in original] also by resolutions of the at meetings of the farming population in many localities throughout the State during the past summer & fall to an extent that gives us assurance that it is a wide- spread public sentiment not to be satisfied until the necessary appropriation is made. Carried The meeting adjourned to meet at the Call of Pres. Abbot & the Secretary. [End page 370]