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Category: Early University history (page 1 of 13)

Spotlight on the Past: Wilbur Henry Siebert, a Pioneer in History at Ohio State University

W.H. Siebert Headshot, nd

Today, we delve into the annals of our beloved Ohio State University to pay tribute to a past icon whose legacy still reverberates in our halls – Professor Wilbur Henry Siebert.

Prof. Siebert, a cherished educator and meticulous scholar, joined the faculty of Ohio State University in the late 19th century. His tenure as a professor of history was a time of profound intellectual growth and development for our institution.

Hailing from Hardin County, Ohio, Prof. Siebert had an academic background as robust as his passion for education. He obtained his PhD from the University of Leipzig before returning to Ohio to join the fledgling Ohio State University.

Known primarily for his groundbreaking research on the Underground Railroad, Siebert’s commitment to unearthing and recording this monumental part of American history was unrivaled. His methodical investigations involved personally interviewing formerly enslaved people and operators of the Underground Railroad, offering an intimate perspective that was rare in historical records.

W.H. Siebert at Desk, 1904

His seminal work, The Underground Railroad from Slavery to Freedom, published in 1898, still serves as a cornerstone for scholars studying this epoch. His exploration into this network of secret routes and safe houses used by previously enslaved African-Americans seeking freedom was so comprehensive that it continues to inform and influence studies in the field today.

Beyond his significant scholarly contributions, Prof. Siebert was a deeply respected educator. His students remember him as a passionate teacher, always eager to share his knowledge and instill an appreciation for history. His influence helped shape the History Department at Ohio State, guiding it towards the esteemed position it holds today.

Prof. Siebert’s legacy extends far beyond his contributions to academia. His ceaseless pursuit of truth and passion for sharing knowledge encapsulate the very essence of Ohio State’s commitment to creating a better world through education.

W.H. Siebert with son of foster daughter, 1932

As we walk the paths of our campus today, let us remember the work and dedication of past educators like Prof. Wilbur Henry Siebert. His work continues to illuminate the past, reminding us of the unbreakable links between our history and our present, between the progress we aspire to and the roots from which we grow.

In remembrance of Prof. Siebert, we’re reminded of the commitment, passion, and curiosity that make a true Buckeye. We stand on the shoulders of giants like him, striving to make our own marks in the annals of Ohio State University history.

This post was developed by OpenAI’s GPT-4.

The Built Fem-vironment: Women’s History on Campus in Four Architectural Structures, Part 2: Oxley Hall

Written by Sarah Stouffer-Lerch

Exterior of Oxley Hall, 1910

In 1908—28 years after Alice Townshend became the first woman to graduate from the university—the first women’s dorm, Oxley Hall, was built. Architect Florence Kenyon Hayden Rector, who attended the University from 1901-1903 and studied under University Architect Joseph Bradford, was hired to design the dorm with his strong recommendation. Despite her considerable expertise, the Board of Trustees demanded Kenyon Hayden work with Wilbur T. Mills: the Board thought a man should also be involved with the project. According to the History of Oxley Hall by Martha Reinhold, Kenyon Hayden ended up doing most of the architectural work herself since neither she nor Mills could get along.

Oxley Hall, 1948

Oxley Hall housed 60 women despite the 600 women enrolled in courses at the time. As one monthly newsletter from October of 1909 put it: “[W]e are desperately in need of more Oxley Halls.”

Oxley Hall—also referred to as the Women’s Dormitory, the Girls’ Dormitory, the Woman’s Building, and the Ladies Dorm—became both a social hang-out and rallying point for university women. Oxley Hall housed the Woman’s Council, an organization whose main goal was to “bring girls together.” The first meeting of the Woman’s Council, in fact, was held primarily to discuss fixing up the Gab Room. Each woman was to donate 25 cents each year for that purpose. In addition to planning events like the Co-Ed prom, the Council engaged in activities to ensure that “out of town” women and women who were new to the University felt welcomed.

Women students chatting in Oxley Hall, 1953

Unfortunately, this hospitality did not extend to all women. Oxley Hall, like all dormitories on campus at the time, was not open to students of color. The construction of Mack Hall, the second women’s dorm, occurred in 1922. This coincided with a growing number of students of color entering the university, who pushed to be allowed to live in the dorms. Even still, it wouldn’t be until after WWII that dorms became integrated. Oxley Hall last housed students in 1966—a year before former president Novice G. Fawcett’s administration sold the “below standard” building to the University Research Foundation.

Editor’s note: Florence Kenyon Hayden Rector (maiden Kenyon Hayden) designed Oxley Hall after 27 days of solitary work. She went on to be a renowned architect in Ohio, as well as being the first woman with an architecture license in the state. (O. W.)

The Built Fem-vironment: Women’s History on Campus in Four Architectural Structures, Part 1: The Gab Room

Written by Sarah Stouffer-Lerch

A black and white photograph of Norton Townshend sitting at his desk in 1883. The office features two desks, a fireplace, a large bookshelf, and a many framed images.

Norton Townshend at his desk, 1883

The first women attending Ohio State University did not have guaranteed student housing or a centralized meeting place—luxuries that were often afforded to their male counterparts. Instead, they would need to find the rare rooming house that would grant them boarding or, for those with family nearby, live at home. For those who were able to find lodging, the ability to socialize with other women was limited both because of the lack of a women’s dorm. In addition, Neil Farm, the property on which Ohio State University originally existed, found itself isolated from the main parts of Columbus at the time.

University Hall Gab Room, 1895

Early faculty member Norton Townshend—father of Harriet and Alice, the first two women students at Ohio State University—decided to address the unmet need for a space for women on campus. His office became the first iteration of what became known as the Gab Room, a derogatory name which labeled a designated area for the socialization of women students. Despite the name, University women saw the office as much more than just a physical space. Although the location changed several times as Ohio State grew, the Gab Room remained constant as both a social hang-out spot and, in some regards, a war room for women students to advocate for their equality on campus.

A prime example of advocation in the Gab Room occurred in 1882 when the university’s forty-five women students congregated to sign a petition to the Board of Trustees. They wanted a women’s dormitory, supplying proper room and board for the growing body of women students. Although then-University president Walter Quincy Scott supported the endeavor, the request was denied.

University Hall Gab Room with Mary Brown, 1915

In 1890, the location of the Gab Room moved to Hayes Hall. No University funds were given in order to furnish the room, so the women did their own fundraising. When a water pipe burst in 1892, the women of the Gab Room once again petitioned the university—their pleas were heard and he water issue was quickly resolved.

One of the last major functions the Gab Room served was as a rallying point for the Women’s Self-Governing Association (WGSA). In the 1920s, the WGSA found itself fighting for a Women’s Union Building. The WGSA members would invite legislators to the Gab Room, now located on the second floor of University Hall. Before the legislators arrived, the spot was made to look even shabbier than its normal appearance. This campaign continued until 1927 when Pomerene Hall, the university’s Center of Women’s Activities, was built. Ostensibly, Pomerene Hall made the Gab Room redundant, ultimately finding itself cleared for other purposes in the early 1930s.

The Gab Room, 1907

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