Carver Hall celebrates 150th anniversary of its dedication
Today marks the 150th Anniversary of the Dedication of Carver Hall.
The first three months of 1867 saw the completion of a building that made higher education in Bloomsburg a lasting reality, culminating in its dedication and opening. The following entries comprise a contemporary record of those activities, taken from the minutes of the Bloomsburg Literary Institute Board of Trustees and local newspapers. 1867, January 10 – Bloomsburg Literary Institute Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes“Prof Carver reported that he spent some time in securing subscriptions - had secured subscriptions amounting to $160.00 and had the promise of others.”
1867, January 19 – Bloomsburg Literary Institute Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes“Board of Trustees met in Seminary building.”
1867, February 1 – ColumbianTHE INSTITUTE – The new Seminary Building, now in process of erection at this place, is being pushed vigorously toward a state of completion. The floors are laid, windows fitted, and heaters in operation, and we understand that it is now the expectation of the school to take possession of it on or about the first of April. This change, will, no doubt, be very agreeable to the students, as the disadvantages under which they are now laboring, in the old academy, in a measure, retard their progress, although their past advancement under the efficient instruction of Professor Carver and the other members of the faculty has given very general satisfaction.
1867, February 20 – Columbia Democrat & Star of the NorthThe Bloomsburg Literary Institute is rapidly approaching completion. The Contractor, Prof. HENRY CARVER, is putting the work along at a “two-forty gait.” His school will occupy this building in a short time.
1867, February 26 – Bloomsburg Literary Institute Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes“Committee on insurance report that they have effected an insurance on Institute buildings with the Lycoming County Mutual Insurance Company for ten thousand dollars for five years. Cost of insurance $56.00 and a premium.” The first engraving of Institute Hall, 1867
1867, March 6 – Bloomsburg Democrat
Bloomsburg Literary Institute – The summer months are rapidly approaching and time is precious. The enterprise was commenced, we might say, under discouraging circumstances; there being quite a division among our people in regard to the location and style of building; but the work, so far, has gone forward with rapidity, under the direct supervision of Prof. HENRY CARVER. The energy of the men at the head of this much needed improvement to advance the cause of education is undoubted, but they cannot do all themselves. They are not the only ones interested in its success. The Board of Trustees, of which LEONARD B. RUPERT is President, as well as the Building Committee, have given the matter a great deal of attention, for which they deserve the praise of the entire community. But, as we have said before, they are not the only persons interested. The poor, as well as the rich, of Bloomsburg and the whole County, have a deep interest in this Institution. We all love to see our children intelligent and well educated. We are grasping after a higher standard of education than that ordinarily established by our Common Schools; but we have not the means of sending our children abroad to other schools. We must then be either content with a meagre amount of education or exert ourselves to have a good classical school at our doors.
The money asked for, to complete the building, is here in our midst and should be promptly raised. We are straining all our efforts to provide for our children, but the most permanent investment we can make for them, is to spare a part of our funds in assisting to finish the Literary Institute. Who will come forward and aid the enterprise? How much argument do you need to make you believe that your aid is important, and for your own benefit? Many persons who subscribed largely have doubled their subscriptions; why should not every owner of real estate in the place give something? Why should not every farmer in the County take a few shares of stock? When this Institution is finished there will be no occasion for any children to be sent out of the County to acquire a thorough, classical education. Every person who has children to educate and County pride will assist in this noble and worthy enterprise.
1867, March 15 – ColumbianThe fine Seminary, which the liberality of our citizens has erected at this place, is rapidly approaching completion, and will be formally dedicated on the 3d of next April.
1867, March 20 – Bloomsburg Literary Institute Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes“On motion it was resolved that J.P. Tustin visit Lewisburg and procure a Speaker for the occasion and that Mr. Tustin be authorized to make the arrangements and pay the Speaker any sum that in his judgment may be deemed reasonable.”
1867, March 20 – Bloomsburg DemocratDedication – The Dedication of the Building of the Bloomsburg Literary Institute will take place on the afternoon and evening of April 3d. Eminent speakers are expected, and the students will give an exhibition consisting of declamations, essays, colloquies, and music. The stockholders and public are invited to attend.
1867, March 30 – Bloomsburg Literary Institute Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes“On motion, R.F. Clark was appointed a committee to invite the clergy and Judge Elwell to accompany the Trustees in procession from the Academy to Seminary.” “Between this (March 30) and date of next minutes (April 24), the building was formally opened with appropriate ceremonies.” The April 5, 1867, issue of the Columbian reported the Dedication of Institute Hall
1867, April 10 – Bloomsburg DemocratThe exercises were opened by music from the Band. Prayer was then offered by Rev. D.J. Waller, and was followed by the Dedicatory address, effectually delivered, by Professor Moss, of Lewisburg. The remainder of that afternoon was chiefly devoted to the reading of essays and declaiming, which reflected great honor upon both Faculty and students. At the close of the exercises, E.R. IKELER, of Bloomsburg, broke in upon, (of course in a friendly manner, and without the previous knowledge of Prof. CARVER,) the proceedings, and in an appropriate speech, on behalf of the District School Teachers, of Columbia County, presented to Prof. CARVER a beautiful Album. Mr. CARVER replied in a very effective manner, expressing his thanks to the committee, and through them, to the Teachers of the county. [The dedication exercises of student presentations continued that evening and the following night. On the second day, Judge Elwell presented a brief history of the Institute and urged “the friends of education, to push on to thorough completion the building, the grounds, the library, and necessary apparatus; and assuring them that, thus affording their children the means of an ample education they were bestowing upon them a legacy which would be forever blessing.”