On May 16th, 1901 at 1:15 pm the State College
Cadets wheeled from Limestone Street onto Main Street and in front of the Court House,
where they stopped. At 1:30, they moved
on to Short Street, in front of the lodge rooms of Devotion and Lexington
Lodges, where they picked up the members of the Louisville Military band. The procession was formed and escorted by the
cadets to State College where the cornerstone of the new gymnasium was laid
according to the ancient rites of the order of masonry.
 |
| Known as the Gymnasium, Buell Hall, and Alumni Hall the structures are now known as Barker Hall and Buell Armory |
The cornerstone items were
hermetically sealed in a copper box prepared for the purpose and after it was
soldered shut the ceremonies commenced.
The items placed within included: a copy of The Morning Democrat, May 16, 1901; a copy of the Lexington Leader, same date; a copy of
the Morning Herald same date; a
souvenir of the fifth-fourth annual conclave, Lexington; a copy of the bylaws
of Webb Commandery; a copy of the bylaws of Lexington Lodge no. 1; a copy of
the bylaws of Devotion Lodge no. 160; a list of the members of Lexington Lodge;
a list of the members of Devotion Lodge; a list of the officers of the Grand
Lodge; a paper ten cent piece of Federal currency; names of college literary societies;
names of members of Greek letter societies; experimental station bulletins;
football souvenir; souvenir edition of The
Kentuckian; copies of the State College Record; copy of “Brief Announcements”;
copy of “Views of the college:’ photographs of the faculty and others; postage
stamps of the denominations of one cent, two cents, three cents, four cents,
five cents, six cents, eight cents and ten cents; coin silver dollar, 1897;
half dollar, 1809; quarter dollar, 1900; ten cent piece, 1900; five cent piece,
1900; one cent piece, 1900; bound volume of the publication of the chemical
department of State College of Kentucky during the past ten years entitled, “Researches
in Chemistry,” college catalogues; and reports of Board of Trustees.
 |
|
Cornerstone for Men's Gymnasium located in Barker Hall, 1901
|
James K. Patterson, President of State College, delivered a
scholarly address referring to the struggles and ultimate crowning success of State
College. At the close, the college battery of artillery fired a salute of three
guns, and as the echoes reverberated through the air the cadets reformed into
line, followed by the fraternity of Masons, and the march back to town
began. Around 1500 spectators witnessed
the events of that day.
 |
|
Sophomore men's gym class, 1908
|
In 1901, the Executive Committee resolved to elect an
instructor for the gymnasium who would be a member of the faculty but with only
the power to vote on questions relating to the gymnasium and be styled Professor
of Physical Culture, earning $1,000.00.
It was also ordered that all students would be examined by the Physician
and Surgeon of the college who would report which students were able to do
gymnastic work.
 |
|
Women's Gym Class in Buell Hall, 1906
|
Female students were permitted to take classes or work in
the gym but only during the drill hour.
No male students were permitted in the gym proper, baths, or locker
rooms during the times set apart for the female students. Also in 1901, it was ordered on motion that the Gymnasium be
named and known as Buell Hall.
Posts
