In the tradition of a true mathematician, we celebrate Mathematical Awareness Month at the very last moment possible!
Whereas the words “Mathematical Awareness Month” might bring feelings of anxiety to most, here in the Archives it brings us great pride when we remember one of our university’s great math professors, Joseph Emery.

One out of seven children, Emery was born in Pennsylvania on June 2, 1833 along with his twin sister Mary Emery. He began showing his mathematical uniqueness early, since we all know the probability of being born a twin isn’t very high!

In 1867, a year after his brother-in-law, William A. Finley, became president of the school, Emery joined the faculty teaching mathematics, physics, geology, and physiology. Emery was also involved in administrative affairs with his efforts in raising the money used to purchase the Roberts farm that made up the original school campus.

During his time here Emery was known as an enthusiastic teacher who took a lot of pride in his department and his work. Emery often used hands-on methods of teaching to involve his students in their studies. In 1869 the first mechanical and chemical apparatus was purchased for the school. Emery used it to perform demonstrations, such as sending a shock through the whole student body when they joined hands in a long chain that stretched down one stairwell, outside, and back up the other stairwell. Among his many students during his years here were J.K. Weatherford, William E. Yates, and Ida Burnett Callahan.

In 1871, after the resignation of Finley, Emery was offered the position of president, which he declined. He did however agree to serve as acting president during the summer of 1871, until incoming President Arnold could arrive in September. During this time Emery wrote the biennial report of the college. Included in this report was not only a request for an increase of $10, 000 in the college appropriations, but also an appeal that the legislature “open the doors of the Oregon Agricultural College to the young ladies of Oregon”; at that time the law, if interpreted as written, the law recognized the college as accessible only to male students. Approval was given to both requests — making Emery’s role even more significant. By any calculation, Emery definitely made his mark on university history!

A Paul Bunyon sign advertises the Forester’s Ball, or Fernhopper’s Ball, in the 1960s. The banquets, which started in 1928, brought together past graduates of the School of Forestry.

Yes, there is still a Fernhopper Day.

The College of Forestry commemorated its 100th year in 2007, which makes this the 75th year of the Fernhopper! On May 12th, the College will host the 75th Annual Fernhopper, where they will award scholarships and fellowships to students, thank donors, and visit with friends and former classmates.

In 1954, this University of Oregon student was photographed wearing the sign “I’m a dumb duck beat Oregon” during the Civil War. Random and funny …

Due to some further investigating by my trusty student assistant, who was utterly dissatisfied by my cursory explanation of this photo, we now know a little more about why this poor young man is wearing such a sign. Apparently, it was all part of the pre-game shenanigans. The civil war rivalry flared during the week before the big game, when Beavers captured Ducks and made them wear these silly signs. They also painted their faces, presumably Beaver orange when they attempted to crash the Rook bonfire festivities!

I don’t know if they will be available to play your next event, but this band from the late 19th century is concert-ready in this photograph. On back of the photograph shown above, we found this handwritten note:

“Hunt’s Brewery, north on 2nd street at the corner where the U.S. Post Office now stands. The Blacksmith … next on the right was Manual … restaurant, the small white building at left stood where Montgomery Wards Building now stands. Opposite the Brewery stood Corvallis first grocery store, where the Huston Building (now being remodeled) has stood for many years.”

They last played at the dedication of Corvallis Brewery building in 1887.

Although OSU is not known for its licorice production, in honor of National Licorice Day, we’d like to point you to some theses written by Oregon Agricultural College students in the Domestic Science program– all studies on the sweet side.

From 1910, by Bertha Herse and Grace Elizabeth Connell’s Candies and candy making. Cleva Peery wrote her 1909 thesis on Desserts, while Sadie Bell chose to focus on Cereal breakfast foods.

And finally, while not a thesis, don’t miss “Dame Curtsey’s” book of candy making, by Ellye Howell Glover. Also look for the 1938 The romance of candy, by Alma H. Austin and the 1958 All about candy and chocolate: a comprehensive study of the candy and chocolate industries, by Philip P. Gott and L. F. Van Houten.

The image above shows Miss Jackson in her garden. As you walk around campus today, amidst the blooming rhododendrons, you can almost imagine coming across a spot where a student or professor would plant beans, and study their growth.

In addition to the wonder of this garden and the hay piles in the middle of campus, this image also allows me to tell an interesting tale about a campus building.

The “stem” of the “T” on Alpha Hall can be seen on the right; this section was separated from its location on 23rd Street and later moved to Orchard Street. Alpha Hall, the first residence hall on campus, was constructed in 1889. It was later used by the School of Pharmacy, and moved off campus in 1922. Mechanical Hall built.

In our MC collection, I found a pamphlet for this “Young Ladies’ Dormitory;” included was some great information about what young ladies could expect from their time at Alpha Hall.

“Surrounded with grounds tastefully arranged and ornamented with choice vines and flowers, the Hall is a typical home for young ladies from abroad who desire to live with the family of one of the Professors while attending College. Tennis courts and other means of amusement furnished by the student and the faculty afford ample opportunity for recreation and wholesome exercise on the grounds near the Hall where young people may mingle with the Faculty and their families and share with them in their games and pleasures during hours of recreation. Furthermore the Hall has reception room, piano and many other conveniences calculated to contribute to the comfort and home life of young ladies while in College.”

All of this for only $3.00 per week — which includes rent, board, heat, electric light, hot and cold water, and a bathroom.

While this isn’t a road map, “A student’s map of OSC campus,” from photographic collection 83, is a fun drawing from the perspective of a 1934 student!