Farewell to the Old University: Seattle's Alumni Gather One Last Time in the Original U.W. Buildings

The reunion held by the Alumni Association of the University of Washington last Tuesday evening was one of the most delightful festivals ever given in connection with the university. The association is not yet large in numbers, but its members are enthusiastic and active, and the last reunion in the old buildings was made a memorable occasion.

Invitations went to every graduate, every regent and known ex-regent, every member and known ex-member of the faculty, every old student who had attended the university for three years, and all students who attended prior to 1878. It was difficult to obtain complete lists, and an effort was made not to overlook those entitled to attend by marriage—the "brothers and sisters-in-law" of the association.

Nearly two hundred were present, and such a revival of old school-day friendships had never before been witnessed in the halls of the University of Washington.

Mrs. Florence Bedger Whitford, of the class of 1896, chaired the decoration committee, and the transformation she and her committee made in the old rooms was wonderful. Besides decorated walls, festoons, potted plants, palms, rugs and settees, Mrs. Whitford produced three oil paintings of her own—a large front view of the old building in its grove of beautiful firs, a portrait of Rev. Daniel Bagley, and another of Hon. Arthur A. Denny, the two university pioneers. She presented them to the association for the new buildings.

From 8 until 10 p.m. members and guests gathered in the ground-floor rooms of the old building for a lively reunion. Then they marched to the chapel room, transformed into a banquet hall, to music played by Mrs. Susie Ward Temple—the same march she had played for students for five years or more, reviving many old memories. Grace was offered by Hon. William D. Wood of the board of regents, and the First Regiment orchestra played during the banquet.

At the close, toastmaster James F. McKlroy of the class of 1879 welcomed the guests and called on Rev. Daniel Bagley, one of the venerable founders, who had laid the corner stone on May 21, 1861—just thirty-four years before. Bagley responded happily and was greeted with enthusiastic applause.

Hon. Orange Jacobs answered the toast "The Regents of Territorial Days"; Dr. A. J. Anderson spoke for "The Faculty of Territorial Days"; Adella M. Parker, president of the Alumni Association, spoke for the association; and Hon. George H. Preston replied for the present board of regents, telling of good things in contemplation for the new university.

The class of 1895 was toasted, with Earle Robinson Jenner responding humorously. Chairman McKlroy then called for a "stringent lecture" to the "quitulates"—those who attended for years but failed to graduate. Otto Hollings was assigned but did not appear, so Warren I. Hastings, himself a "quitulate" whose wife, Hessie Cox, belonged to the class of 1879, defended the group and brought down the house.

Clarence R. Bagley, of the first class ever organized at the university, responded to "The University in the Sixties." President Thomas M. Gatch spoke for the faculty; George A. Colman read the class poem of 1872; Florence Ledger Whitford told how she came to paint the pioneer portraits; and Prof. O. B. Johnson, the oldest member of the faculty, responded to the toast of the "Old Fellows" with anecdotes and jokes.

On Wednesday evening the Alumni Association elected officers: D. Ellis Douty, president; Florence Ledger Whitford, vice president; Helen Hubbard, recording secretary; Helen Anthony, corresponding secretary; Hettie L. Greene, historian; and Edmond S. Meany, treasurer. Resolutions of sympathy were adopted for Miss Adelaide G. Nickels and Miss Josie E. Jacklin on the death of Edward L. Nickels, a former student.

After the business meeting the graduates adjourned to the residence of George A. Colman, and the next day some held a picnic at Madrona Park. Altogether the festival was a complete success, and the farewell to the old university was most appropriately celebrated.

One decoration in the old chapel was a large allegorical painting by Edith Benjamin Ward titled "Farewell to Our Alma Mater." The only Denny family member present was Charles L. Denny. It had been planned to surprise him with the toast "Twin of the University," since he was born on the day the corner stone was laid, thirty-four years to the day before the banquet. Hearing of the plan, and with characteristic Denny modesty, he used his schoolboy knowledge of the old building and made his escape.