DIXON - A COLLEGE TOWN
Dixon was advertised as one of the most beautiful cities in the
Northwest. Charmingly situated on the Rock River and occupying a site
which commands the admiration of all who visit the place. It had a
population of between five and six thousand, was distinguished for
its variety and beauty of scenery, its elegant churches, its fine
manufacturing facilities and superior agricultural surroundings.
The crossing at this point of two of the longest railroads in the
nation rendered it one of the most accessible and desirable centers
in the country for a first class literary institution. It is no
wonder that Dixon became "A College Town."
The Rock River University at Dixon, Illinois was barely a year
old in August, 1876, when a supplement was published within the Dixon
Telegraph newspaper attesting to the many advantages and benefits of
enrolling in the institution.
The main building of the University had already been completed
and was described as a large brick and stone edifice five stories
high. It was built in modern styling, with convenient school rooms,
music and art rooms, parlors, dining hall, dormitories, etc. All of
which having been recently improved and placed in complete order. It
was noted that when the wings were erected that the building would be
one of the largest and best in the country.
The grounds of the University embraced three blocks which were
within the original plat of the city of Dixon. And it was noted that
although the University was within short distance of the business
center of the city, the site is admirably adapted to the purposes
designed. The building was located on ground nearly two hundred feet
above the river, providing a magnificent outlook of bluff and
prairie, landscape and lawn, railroad and river, and of scenery not
surpassed in the Northwest.
Many departments were offered for courses suited to ones needs.
Some of these were: A Classical Department, which embraced the usual
four years course of study corresponding mainly with the
undergraduate course then offered in the best American Colleges. A
Preparatory Department was offered to prepare students for entering
the higher departments of the University
A Scientific Department of four years, a Department of Higher
Literature, and a Normal Department which was designated the Northern
Illinois Normal College and provided for the thorough qualification
of teachers for the Public Schools. A Department of Art which
included free-hand, perspective, object, mechanical and antique
drawing, water color, oil and India ink painting and crayoning was
offered.
Also offered was a Commercial or Business Department which
embraced all varieties of penmanship, book keeping by double and
single entry. Courses were on banking, shipping, and co-partnership,
commercial mathematics and commercial law. A Conservatory of Music
was also offered with a thorough two years study course in
instrumental and vocal music.
Degrees would be conferred on all students who completed or
passed a satisfactory examination in the regular Classical and
Scientific courses of study prescribed. Diplomas would be awarded to
those students who completed the course in the Normal College, the
Conservatory of Music, the Department of Art and the Commercial
College. It was noted that young ladies and gentlemen who did not
wish to become candidates for degrees may be admitted to any regular
class, provided their proficiency was such as to not embarrass the
said class.
The school calendar for the year of 1876-77, showed the Fall Term
opening on Monday, Sept. 11, 1876; the Winter Term opened on Monday,
Nov. 20, 1876; the Spring Term opened on Monday, Feb. 5, 1877 and the
Summer Term opening on Monday, April 22, 1877. Special sessions of
the Normal Department were held during summer vacation. Vacation
times were shown to be from December 22nd to January 2, 1877, and
again from April 12th to April 22, 1877.
Expenses for courses of study in commercial arithmetic for a term
were $7, business writing $11, book keeping $18 and all studies in
the commercial course at $22. A term of twenty lessons in the Musical
Department ran from $10 to $17. The Art Department offered oil
painting at $10, painting in water colors $5, drawing $5, and wax,
fruit and flowers at $5.
Housing was offered at the following fees: unfurnished rooms,
each student per week from 30 to fifty cents. Plainly furnished
rooms, each student per week at $1. Extra furnished rooms with nice
carpeting, Peters' improved woven wire mattress, etc. at $1.50 each
student per week. Fuel and lights were offered at cost to students
and there was no charge for incidentals.
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