On this Day in NU History
January 2009 Archives
January 31, 2009
Jan. 31, 1957: Gas Dynamics Colloquium at Tech: "Future Automotive Power Plants," by Simon K. Chen, Research Engineer, International Harvester Company.
January 30, 2009
January 29, 2009
January 28, 2009
Jan. 28, 1851: Charter obtained from Illinois state legislature for University corporation, styled, "The Trustees of Northwestern University."
January 27, 2009
Jan. 27, 1899: Formal opening of Fisk Hall, the Academy building.
Formal opening of Fisk Hall, constructed to house the Northwestern University Academy, a University-affiliated preparatory school. Addresses by Dr. Fisk, President Rogers, Dr. Sheppard and alumni of Academy. Northwestern University sponsored a secondary school curriculum from 1856 to 1917. (1899)
Procession at Fisk Hall, 1902
January 26, 2009
Jan. 26, 1967: Great Blizzard hits Northwestern, leaving 23 inches of snow in one day. The same day in 1978, another storm leaves over a foot of snow.
A Northwestern Snowscape
January 25, 2009
Jan. 25, 1971: NU receives $10 million anonymous donation
The $10 million pledge was part of an approximately $20 million addition to the university's "First Plan for the 70's" fund. Vice-president for Planning and Development Franklin M. Kreml revealed only that the donnor had never before given a major contribution. He would not say whether the donor was an alumnus.
January 24, 2009
Jan. 24, 1956: Chi Phi fraternity house damaged in blaze
The early morning fire displaced the members of the fraternity out of the Hinman Ave. house and sent two to the hospital, suffering from smoke inhalation and shock. Damage to the house was extensive enough to force its residents into off-campus housing for the remainder of the quarter. The blaze was believed to have started as a result of faulty wiring.
January 23, 2009
Jan. 23, 2008: Illinois legislators hold forum to discuss state politics.
Illinois state legislators, including Senate President Emil Jones, Jr., Speaker of the Houes Michael Madigan, Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, and House Minoity Leader Tom Cross, speak about in a forum at Ryan Auditorium. The event is moderated by University President Henry Bienen and hosted by The Civic Action Awareness Organization, a student group seeking to forge closer ties between the University and civic leaders.
January 22, 2009
Jan. 22, 1874: Metcalf Prize offered by Professor Kellogg
The Metcalf prize, a silver cup, offered by Professor Kellogg, awarded to J. M. Harris. Alumni requested to send names and present addresses to librarian in order that a record may be kept.
Professor Julius Kellogg
January 21, 2009
Jan. 21, 1890: Students' Christian Association adopts report of committee advising that the association be divided into a Y. M. C. A. and a Y. W. C. A.
Members of the Y.W.C.A., 1902
January 20, 2009
Jan. 20, 1891: Reception for NU President Rogers and his wife by fraternities and sororities at Evanston Club House.
Reception for Dr. and Mrs. Rogers by fraternities and sororities at Evanston Club House.
President and Mrs. Rogers
January 19, 2009
Jan. 19, 1885: Mark Twain and George Cable give an entertainment under the auspices of the senior class.
From The Northwestern, January 23, 1885:
Twain was funnier than the funniest conception that had been formed of him. Cable's wit and art, though in marked contrast with that of his colleague, were equally entertaining. A more successful combination of talent is seldom met with. As an actor and impersonator Cable is a success...
Everybody was of course delighted with Mark Twain. His very facial expression and his drawling accent are comical. The "Tragic Tale of the Fishwife," the "Trying Situation" and his "anecdote" kept his hearers in a convulsion of mirth.
January 18, 2009
January 17, 2009
January 1887: Miss Rena A. Michaels becomes Dean of Women and Professor of French.
Dean Rena Michaels
January 16, 2009
January 1882: University Hall receives slate roof and is provided with city water.
University Hall, 1938
January 15, 2009
January 1895: Ice hockey explained to Northwestern.
The Northwestern announces the new sport:
A new winter sport is being introduced into the colleges of the United States. It is the Canadian game of "hockey," which is played on the ice. The contest is between eleven men on a side, with positions similar to foot ball and a circular piece of rubber is placed between the opposing sides, who, armed with sticks crooked at the end, endeavor to pound the rubber over the other's goal. In a recent game played under Canadian rules the American team lost, but played under rules revised in this country the American team won.
January 14, 2009
Jan. 14, 1918: Classes cancelled as blizzard hits Northwestern.
For a complete list of school closings through the years, visit the Archives blog.
January 13, 2009
Jan. 13, 1999: Men's Basketball: Indiana 81, Northwestern 78.
University sermon by Dr. F. W. Gunsaulus. (1895)
Men's Basketball: Indiana 81, Northwestern 78. (1999)
"The game was close throughout much of the first half. The Hoosiers took a 39-34 lead at halftime, the first time this seasons NU has trailed at the break. The Indiana lead stretched to 66-50 with 11:05 remaining in the game. However, the Wildcats stormed back, outscoring Indiana 24-8 over the next 7:33 to knot the contest at 74-74 with 3:32 left on the clock. The 'Cats had possession of the ball down 81-78 with 2 seconds remaining, but David Newman's three-pointer at the buzzer was off the mark. Evan Schmeyer recorded the second triple-double in the school history, as well as the first-ever triple-double at IU's Assembly Hall, with 27 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Tavaras Hardy added 12 points and six rebounds. The 'Cats as a team hit 11-of-22 from three-point range." (Northwestern University Men's Basketball Media Guide, 1999-2000, p 63)
January 12, 2009
Jan. 12, 1887: College wins medal in tug-of-war at inauguration of Casino Gymnasium, Chicago.
Northwestern's College of Liberal Arts team wins medal in tug-of-war competition at inauguration of Casino Gymnasium, Chicago. (1887)
January 11, 2009
Jan. 1875: Government decides to establish a weather station in Evanston.
Government decides to establish a weather station in Evanston. General Logan influential in securing order from the War Department.
Prof. Wyren is elected by Scandinavian Methodists to teach Swedish in the University.
January 10, 2009
Jan. 10, 1964: Northwestern's senior women are allowed, for the first time, keys to their residences, freeing them from the regulations of set women's hours, which the Daily labels "Victorian".
Northwestern's senior women are allowed, for the first time, keys to their residences, freeing them from the regulations of set women's hours, which the Daily Northwestern labels "Victorian". On the first night of key availability, although two young women were reported to have stayed out all night, most keys were checked in by 1 a.m.
January 9, 2009
Jan. 9, 1997: Evanston Research Park Board plans to pursue development of an entertainment complex.
Evanston Research Park Board plans to pursue development of an entertainment complex. The plan envisions a multi-screen theater to be built south of Clark Street, west of the El tracks. While such a complex is not outlined in the Research Park's original mission, the Board views this development as a means of drawing news financing to support entrepreneurial efforts in the wake of weak lending coming out of the recession of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
January 8, 2009
January 7, 2009
Jan. 7, 1964: The papers of Melville J. Herskovits, former director of Northwestern's African studies, are donated to the University by his widow.
The papers of Melville J. Herskovits, former director of Northwestern's African studies, have been donated to the University by his widow. Herskovits was a pioneering professor of anthropology and African affairs. The papers can be found in the University Archives and are available for research. http://www.library.northwestern.edu/archives/findingaids/herskovits.pdf
January 6, 2009
Jan. 6, 1999: Men's Basketball: Northwestern 58, Minnesota 55.
Men's Basketball: Northwestern 58, Minnesota 55. (1999)
High Scorer – Evan Eschmeyer (24) / High Rebounder – Eschmeyer (15)
NU owned an early 11-8 lead with 11:33 remaining in the first half, which included two-three pointers from Sean Wink and a trey by David Newman. The Wildcats took a 25-20 advantage into the locker room. Midway through the second half, NU went on a 13-2 run to take a 45-32 lead with 11:33 left. UM slowly chipped away, pulling to within one point at 56-55 with 1:13 remaining. On NU's ensuring possession, Eschmeyer was fouled and connected on both free throws for a 58-55 lead. A couple of Gopher desperation three-point attempts fell short and NU came home with the win. Eschmeyer shot 12-of-14 from the line while the 'Cats hit nine three-pointers, led by Wink (four) and Steve Lepore (three). Tavaras Hardy added seven rebounds and two blocks in the win. (Northwestern University Men's Basketball Media Guide, 1999-2000, p 62)
January 5, 2009
Jan. 1871: The Tripod, a twelve-page College monthly paper, appears, controlled by the literary societies.
The Tripod, a twelve-page College monthly paper, appears, controlled by the literary societies. Editors: E. R. Shrader (Hinman), and H. S. Wicks (Adelphic). Frequently throughout the year leading articles appear over the signatures of Northwestern President Erastis O. Haven, Professors Oliver Marcy, Robert Baird, Charles Pearson and Frances E. Willard.
Masthead of The Tripod, 1872
January 4, 2009
Jan. 4, 1877: F. A. Hills, '75, divides prize for essay on "Advantages and Disadvantages of Universal Suffrage."
F. A. Hills, '75, divides prize for essay on "Advantages and Disadvantages of Universal Suffrage." Second annual oratorical contest of Intercollegiate Association at New York. F. M. Bristol sent as delegate. Eleven colleges represented. William Cullen Bryant, Whitelaw Reid, and George William Curtis, judges.
January 3, 2009
Jan. 3, 1921: N.U. loses basketball game with Minnesota, 19-12.
N.U. loses basketball game with Minnesota, 19-12.
Northwestern's 1921 Basketball Team
