Reverend George A. Gordon, author and lecturer at Yale and Harvard, speaks at commencement.
1888 - 1989Old Norton Public Library
Built on Wheaton land and presented to the Town of Norton by Eliza Baylies Wheaton in 1888, the old Norton Public Library reverted to Wheaton College a century later when the town constructed a new library in 1989.
1888Reverend W. B. Webb Speaks at Commencement
The Reverend W. B. Webb of Boston, MA, speaks at commencement.
1889Founder’s Day Established
For Mrs. Wheaton’s 80th birthday, on September 27, the teachers resolve to celebrate a “Wheaton Fete Day.”
1889First May Day Celebration
The earliest recorded May Day celebration at Wheaton occurred during the Seminary years in 1889. Based on the medieval celebration of the coming of spring, students danced around a maypole and participated in various other activities. Traditionally, the senior class… Read More »
1889Reverend David Gregg Speaks at Commencement
Reverend David Gregg of Boston, MA, speaks at commencement.
1889Samuel Austin Chapin
Samuel Austin Chapin was the brother of Mrs. Wheaton, and a Trustee from 1889-1890.
1890Reverend A. J. Gordon Speaks at Commencement
The Reverend A. J. Gordon of Boston, MA speaks at commencement.
1891Philips Brooks Made Honorary Class Member
Philips Brooks is made an honorary member of the Class of 1891, for whom he wrote a class song.
1891Reverend William M. Barbour Speaks at Commencement
Reverend William M. Barbour, principal of the College of British North America in Montreal, Québec, speaks at commencement.
1892Reverend Arthur Little Speaks at Commencement
Reverend Arthur Little of Boston, MA, speaks at commencement.
1893 - 1925Samuel Valentine Cole
Reverend Dr. Samuel Valentine Cole, first president of Wheaton College, was one of the most influential figures in the college’s history. He served as a trustee from 1893 to 1925, Secretary of the Board from 1895 to 1908, President of… Read More »
1893Charles Cuthbert Hall Speaks at Commencement
Charles Cuthbert Hall, President of Union Theological Seminary, speaks at commencement.
1894Cutler House
Deeded to the Trustees by Mrs. Wheaton in 1894, this house was also known as the Brick Cottage or Wheaton Retreat. It was used as an infirmary because of its “airy rooms and sunny exposure” until the purchase of King… Read More »
1894 - 1972Wheeler House
Acquired when Mrs. Wheaton deeded the “Gravel Lot” to the Trustees in 1894, it was used for several purposes before being demolished in 1972. Originally used as a harness shop, the Wheeler or “New” House had been remodeled into a… Read More »
1894 - 1938College Pines
Known as Seminary Woods, and later as College Pines, this area was a favorite destination for student walks. Graduating classes have been donating trees and other plantings to the College since at least 1903.
1894Mary A. Livermore Speaks at Commencement
Mary A. Livermore of Melrose, MA, speaks at commencement.
1895Basketball is Enjoyed
Seminary students enjoy the new game of basketball.
1895Dr. Wallace Nutting Speaks at Commencement
Dr. Wallace Nutting of Providence, Rhode Island, speaks at commencement.
1896Edward Everett Hale Speaks at Commencement
Edward Everett Hale of Boston, Massachusetts, speaks at commencement.