Guide to the William DeWitt Hyde Administrative Records, 1882-1917
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William De Witt Hyde: Administrative Records, George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine
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After a two year search, William De Witt Hyde (1858-1917) succeeded Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain as Bowdoin's seventh President in 1885. Hyde transformed Bowdoin both academically and physically. The "Offer of the College," which Hyde wrote in 1906, expressed his philosophy. He strengthened the faculty, made noteworthy changes in the curriculum, including introducing the elective system, eased entrance requirements, and increased social and athletic opportunities for students. Hyde enlarged the campus with the addition of many new facilities. The Walker Art Building, Searles Science Building, Sargent Gymnasium, and Hubbard Hall were all constructed during his tenure. In 1892 Hyde issued the first "Report of the President of Bowdoin College," a summary of events, policies, appointments and finances of the previous academic year. He was president until his death in 1917.
The administrative records of William De Witt Hyde include subject files and his annual "Report of the President of Bowdoin College," from the initial report of 1891-1892 through 1916-1917. The bulk of the subject files contain general correspondence about College affairs and the 1894 centennial celebration. The President's Reports from 1891-1892 through 1903-1904 were published separately and are included in the box with the subject files. President Hyde's reports from 1904-1905 until the end of his presidency were published in the Bowdoin College Bulletin and are filed with the Bowdoin College Bulletins. For related materials, see the William De Witt Hyde Collection.
The bulk of the subject files contain general correspondence about College affairs and the centennial celebration in 1894. Centennial memorabilia is also included.
Arranged chronologically.
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1882, 1910, Letters: Williams Winter to William De Witt Hyde
[post-1882], Charles J. Palmer to Rev. Hyde concerning the fire of March 5, 1822
1883 Mar 2?, Correspondence re: removal of Franklin Perham
[ca. 1885-1917], Speech on Bowdoin in the 1840's
1886 Jun 23, Presidential inauguration: William De Witt Hyde
1886 Mar 19, Act to incorporate the Bowdoin Alumni Memorial Hall Association
1886 Sep 8, Recommendations for admission
1887 Apr 28, Letter from Thomas M. Giveen re: the election of Bowdoin Militia Officers (original election sheet included)
1888 Nov 8, History of mathematics at the College
c. 1890, Miscellaneous historical material
1891 Mar 11, Constitution of the Bowdoin Athletic Committee
1891 April, State of Maine and Massachusetts legislation repealing the provisions to limit income and property held by the president
1894 Jan 10, John Chapman to "George" concerning research in Massachusetts Archives
1894 April - June, College centennial- invitations and answers
1894 Jun, College centennial program, tickets, and ribbons
1894 Jun 24-28, Centennial calendar
1894 Jun 28, Lewiston Evening Journal, Bowdoin Centennial Number
1894, Guest book for centennial celebration
1894, Notebook for centennial celebration
[1899-1900], "Faculty Meetings with Maine School People"
1902 Pamphlet to alumni about how to improve Bowdoin, 1902
1902 Jun 21-26, Lewiston Journal Special Bowdoin Centennial Edition
1903 Mar 3, Letter concerning graduates' level of education
1903 Dec 31, Bangor- Request of Ralph P. Plaisted that the College provide safekeeping for valuable signatures
1907 General Educatio Board donation match
1910 Mar, Plans to commemorate President Hyde on 25 years of service
1910, Correspondence re: funds for President Hyde's portrait
1911 May 4, Letter to Frederick Conant re: fund raising for new athletic building
1911 Jun 17, Donors to fund for portrait of President Hyde
1912 Jan 13, New England petitions for arbitration treaties
1912 Letter about State of College from President Hyde
1915 Sept 9, Letter from F. N. Whittier to Arthur T. Parker concerning trophies and trophy case
1917 May 14, President Hyde granting power of attorney to Kenneth C.M. Sills
1917 Oct 24, Memorial addresses and other tributes to President William De Witt Hyde
n.d., Miscellaneous and undated affidavits
n.d., Petition for the restoration of the original College seal
n.d., Statements of the Committee on Honorary Degrees
From 1892, the President published an annual report on the state of the College. It replaced similar reports previously made to the Examining Committee. Before 1905, these reports were published separately. From 1905 until 1974 the reports were published as an issue of the Bowdoin College Bulletin. The reports include information on admissions, graduation, finances and appointments. A report from the Dean and the Librarian is included in many of the issues.
Arranged chronologically.
Bound volumes of the annual Bowdoin College Report of the President, 1891-2001, are located in the Special Collections Reference area of the George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives.
No restrictions.
This publication has been digitized and is available on Bowdoin Digital Commons.
Index to the President's Reports, 1891-1947 [located in 1.2.8.1]
Index to the President's Reports, 1891-1957 [located in 1.2.9.1]
Report of the President of Bowdoin College for the Academic Year 1891-1892
Report of the President of Bowdoin College for the Academic Year 1892-1893
Report of the President of Bowdoin College for the Academic Year 1893-1894
Report of the President of Bowdoin College for the Academic Year 1894-1895
Report of the President of Bowdoin College for the Academic Year 1895-1896
Report of the President of Bowdoin College for the Academic Year 1896-1897
Report of the President of Bowdoin College for the Academic Year 1897-1898
Report of the President of Bowdoin College for the Academic Year 1898-1899
Report of the President of Bowdoin College for the Academic Year 1899-1900
Report of the President of Bowdoin College for the Academic Year 1900-1901
Report of the President of Bowdoin College for the Academic Year 1901-1902
Report of the President of Bowdoin College for the Academic Year 1902-1903
Report of the President of Bowdoin College for the Academic Year 1903-1904 (Note: From 1904-1905 President Hyde's reports were published as part of the Bowdoin College Bulletin)
#3 1904-1905
#7 1905-1906
#11 1906-1907
#17 1907-1908
#23 1908-1909
#29 1909-1910
#35 1910-1911
#41 1911-1912
#47 1912-1913
#53-1, 1913-1914
#59 1914-1915
#65 1915-1916
#73 1916-1917