This collection is primarily comprised of Joseph Cummings' annual reports on Wesleyan University for the years 1857-1874, excepting the 1866-1867 school year. These reports contain censuses of Wesleyan's student body, including lists of students that have died or taken seriously ill during the school year. They also include Cummings' recommendation that women be admitted into Wesleyan and his suggestions for allocation of funds, most prominently with regards to building and maintaining a library. The collection also contains Cummings' correspondence, including with Julia Olin and W.O. Atwater (primarily regarding securing Atwater's employment), as well as Cummings' official acceptance of the position as president at Wesleyan University. Also included are several articles by Cummings, a petition against his resignation from the professorship, and his wife D.S. Cummings' correspondence. For more information, refer to the finding aid for the collection: http://wesleyan.edu/libr/schome/FAs/cu1000-89.xml.
(407) suggest that a committee be appointed to prepare a minute to be entered on the records of the Board relative to his death. Students The number Show more(407) suggest that a committee be appointed to prepare a minute to be entered on the records of the Board relative to his death. Students The number of students entered on the College Roll is 165 of whom 135 are professors of religion and 62 Licensed Preachers. As a general statement we may say this year has been characterized by good order, harmony and prosperity. During the past two years in the first Terms there was an unusually large amount of sickness. The Typhoid fever has been prevalent. This fact has caused much anxiety. I am satisfied there is nothing in the arrangement of the buildings to cause this sickness. One student a prominent member of the Junior Class and a very promising young man Mr. Francis A. Winch died during the Fall Show less
(292) By the rules of the Board the Department of Mathematics and Astronomy becomes vacant. I take pleasure in announcing that the gentleman who has Show more(292) By the rules of the Board the Department of Mathematics and Astronomy becomes vacant. I take pleasure in announcing that the gentleman who has so ably filled this chair is a candidate for reelection. I would repeat the suggestion made last year with reference to the vacancy in the Presidency, that a committee should be appointed with reference to this vacancy to report relative to the manner in which the duties of the Department have been discharged. I am fully persuaded that the rule that limits to five years the period each professor holds his office is a most excellent one and that the advantages it confers should be highly regarded. No good officer can object to a review of his course and the rule affords a very ready and efficient method of removing an inefficient officer. Our end in attention to the subject in circumstances like the present Show less
(186) It is evident that it will seriously affect all Institutions sustained by invested funds drawing simple interest and to give them the required Show more(186) It is evident that it will seriously affect all Institutions sustained by invested funds drawing simple interest and to give them the required efficiency their funds must be largely increased. In 1834 the supply of gold from all parts of the world was estimated at $30,000,000 and in 1852 at $119,596,000. Since 1858 gold has declined in value from 15 to 21 per cent and it is estimated that within a quarter of century money will be depreciated to one half of what was its value before 1858. Allusion is made to this subject the full discussion of which in this connection would be inappropriate as one reason and a most important one why measures should be adopted to secure a larger endowment than we have secured. It has been the misfortune of the University that it has been compelled to use the gifts of its friends to meet its current expenses. Show less
(394) [1869-70] 73 The Past Year Order Prosperity &c The Death of Dr. Phelps one of the first Members His Interests How Prof. Van Benshoten's Show more(394) [1869-70] 73 The Past Year Order Prosperity &c The Death of Dr. Phelps one of the first Members His Interests How Prof. Van Benshoten's place has been supplied Prof Otheman Clairvaux Prof Van Benschoten will return Dr Johnston Term of Office has expired Committee on reelection Show less
(164) increased. The rooms of the students require extensive repairs and it is believed such repairs would secure many desirable results. Much of the Show more(164) increased. The rooms of the students require extensive repairs and it is believed such repairs would secure many desirable results. Much of the disorder that in times past was common in colleges and the want of conformity in personal habits to the usage of good society on the part of students may freely be ascribed to the neglect of the authorities of this institution to secure to the students so far as may be practicable the comforts and order of well regulated homes [rooms?]. I could not undertake to govern students in a college in which the rooms, halls and recitation rooms, and the grounds were in a neglected condition wanting in neatness and comfort. There is a moral influence in well arranged buildings in comfortable orderly rooms that cannot otherwise be secured. In all our institutions the buildings do much of the teaching whether for good or evil. I would respectfully suggest that the buildings in all their Show less
1857-1858 Report of the President of the Wesleyan University to the Joint Board Aug 2nd 1858 It affords me great pleasure to meet for the first time Show more1857-1858 Report of the President of the Wesleyan University to the Joint Board Aug 2nd 1858 It affords me great pleasure to meet for the first time in an official relation the Joint Board of the University and in accordance with established usage to present reports relative to the institution. Circumstances rendered it impracticable for me to enter on my duties here before the middle of the Spring Term. As soon as released from existing engagements I came to Middletown although I should hive greatly preferred to enter on my duties at the beginning of a year or at least at the commencement of a term The thoughtfulness and kindness of my associates and the cordiality and good will manifested by the students removed in a great degree the embarrassment and difficulty that otherwise would have existed in this connection. I � Show less
(319) kind of work. I am confident that the same amount of labor expended in a different manner would secure a much greater benefit. Many of my Show more(319) kind of work. I am confident that the same amount of labor expended in a different manner would secure a much greater benefit. Many of my present duties are not properly connected with my office and their performance is not pleasing to me nor is it in many respects profitable to the Institution. New Buildings are needed in addition to the Library Building which we hope soon to secure. A building is needed for the better accomodation of the various Departments of Natural Science and a building for the Department of Astronomy. An Astronomical Observatory furnished with suitable instruments is greatly needed. In this connection I wish to urge the securing of the only lot of land suitable for such a building that is near us and unoccupied. It is important to secure the land even if the building should not be erected for several rears. I would Show less
We hope some liberal friend of the University will be induced to [\page] 1862-1863 47 furnish the requisite sum. Finances The Report of the Treasurer Show moreWe hope some liberal friend of the University will be induced to [\page] 1862-1863 47 furnish the requisite sum. Finances The Report of the Treasurer will inform the Board of the state of the finances of the University. I have frequently called the attention of the Board that (sic) the statement of property is only nominally correct. I have nothing to add to the suggestions heretofore made. During the year some oustanding claims have been collected. One Note of $2500 has been paid. Also a subscription of $i000 and some smaller notes have been collected. Some outstanding notes Ithink should be placed in the hands of a judicious attorney for collection. Show less
(214) be larger than would otherwise be received. 1859-1860 20 $50,000 Fund I regret to state that the Fund of $50,000 for buildings and an increase Show more(214) be larger than would otherwise be received. 1859-1860 20 $50,000 Fund I regret to state that the Fund of $50,000 for buildings and an increase in the facilities of instruction ham not been secured. In accordance with the direction of the Joint Board I gave immediate attention to this subject and spent as much time in New York during the summer vacation as the interests of the University demanding my personal attention would allow. I made an earnest effort during the winter to secure subscriptions. After careful inquiry and application to a large majority of those from whom the funds must be expected I came m to the conclusion that during this year the fund could not be secured. After consultation with leading friends of the University I concluded to suspend the � Show less
(454) it was deemed best to make no special efforts for an increase till an increase to the endowment could be secured. Of late in view of the popular Show more(454) it was deemed best to make no special efforts for an increase till an increase to the endowment could be secured. Of late in view of the popular estimation of the power of an institution by the number of its students the policy has been changed; considering the number of colleges now in the former patronizing territory and the efforts to induce students to attend them the number of students is very encouraging. It can be greatly increased without a corresponding expense. The present number makes instruction relatively very expensive inasmuch as the divisions of the classes are in many cases small. The settlement of the claim against the estate of Isaac Rich At the special meeting held in Jan a full report was given of the settlement of the claim against the estate of Isaac Rich Esq. As then stated this difficult and delicate manner matter was � Show less
(268). As it may be desirable on account of the holidays to make a variation in the Fall and Spring vacations I would recommend that the Faculty Show more(268). As it may be desirable on account of the holidays to make a variation in the Fall and Spring vacations I would recommend that the Faculty should have discretionary power to make such alterations as the Interests of this Institution may require. Degrees The following gentlemen are recommended for the Degree of A. B. (list) � Show less
(232) benefited, receiving more students from them than all other patronizing Institutions - As I think it evident that great good would result from Show more(232) benefited, receiving more students from them than all other patronizing Institutions - As I think it evident that great good would result from the measure I recommend it for your approval. It is no part of the design to place it in competion (sic) with other Institutions having in part the same object. Inasmuch as special attention must for awhile be directed to other subjects I would recommend that the Prudential Committee should be authorized to open the Department as soon as in their judgement it may be expedient. Of course the Department must be made to support itself as I should not deem it proper to use any part of the income of the college fund to sustain it. Show less
(207) Honrary A.M. James B. Dixon Principal of Colburn Academy Rev. Abel Gardner R.S. Moron B.S.(?) of 1855 Julius F. Kellogg of Prov. Conf. Sem&apos Show more(207) Honrary A.M. James B. Dixon Principal of Colburn Academy Rev. Abel Gardner R.S. Moron B.S.(?) of 1855 Julius F. Kellogg of Prov. Conf. Sem'y Alfred S. Purdy M.D. New York Recommendations for degree of Doctor of Divinity - Rev. Francis A. West of the British Wesleyan Conference Rev. John S. Porter of Newark Cont. Rev. Daniel Wise Show less
(411) New Boarding House Expenses of Students The Old Laboratory has been changed at as little expense as practicable in to a boarding House and from Show more(411) New Boarding House Expenses of Students The Old Laboratory has been changed at as little expense as practicable in to a boarding House and from 40 to 60 students have been accommodated with board at $2.75(?) per week. There was less interest on the part of the students than was expected. I had hoped they would take charge of it and conduct the arrangements as their clubs were conducted. As this could not be done the use of the building has been given free of rent to Mrs. E.W. Jackson with the understanding the price of board shall not exceed the price named. Students can conduct a club at less expense than any one can board them. The low price of board in this Hall has had the effect to reduce somewhat the expense of board in the other clubs. The expenses of students have excited considerable attention and Show less