C.W.Eliot Finding Aids Charies William, 1834-1926. Papers of Charles William Eliot : an inventory Page I of 40 of Harvard University Library View HOLLIS OASIS: Online Archival Record Frames Version Search Information Questions or Comments Copyright Statement System UAI 15.894 Eliot, Charles William, 1834-1926. Papers of Charles William Eliot : an inventory See pp. 2, 3-6, 10,12, Harvard University Archives Reprocessed from 24 (Conservation), my use spanearlier 25 29, system. 31f. (terephocks, Letterbooks) TAS 39 (1874 Try England. Harvard University ©President and Fellows of Harvard College, 2008 Mastercard Descriptive Summary Repository: Harvard University Archives Call No.: UAI 15.894 Creator: Eliot, Charles William, 1834-1926. Title: Papers of Charles William Eliot, 1807-1945. Quantity: 40.73 cubic feet (99 document boxes, 22 portfolio boxes, 2 flat boxes) Abstract: Charles William Eliot (1834-1926) was President of Harvard University from March 12, 1869 to May 19, 1909. He also taught mathematics and chemistry at Harvard University (1858-1863) and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1865-1869). Eliot was one of the most influential educators of his day and the innovations he introduced at Harvard University influenced higher education throughout the United States. Note: This document last updated 2015 June 16. Acquisition Information : Most of the Papers of Charles William Eliot were donated by Eliot to the Harvard University Archives in the 1920s. Additional materials were acquired through donation or purchase. Whenever possible the archivist noted the terms of acquisition in the folder lists below. The acquisitions are as follows: 1920s, Charles William Eliot 1932, James Ford 1939, G.P. Gardner, Jr. http://oasis.lib.harvard.edu/oasis/deliver/~hua03006 6/30/2015 Charles William, 1834-1926. Papers of Charles William Eliot : an inventory Page 2 of 40 1960, Harvard Medical Library 1973, Paul Weiss Accession number: 12530; 1992 August 20 Accession number: 14319; 2001 June 6 Accession number: 19549; 2014 October 14 Processing Information: The Papers of Charles William Eliot were first classified and described in the Harvard University shelflist prior to 1980 in two collections, the Papers of Charles William Eliot, UAI 15.894 and the Records of the President of Harvard University, President Charles W. Eliot, 1869-1925, UAI 5.150. In 2006, Dominic P. Grandinetti re-processed these papers. Re-processing included the identification and removal of all non-University materials from both UAI 15.894 and UAI 5.150. These materials were then collated and integrated into this collection. Re- processing also included the rearrangement and rehousing of material into the appropriate containers, the elimination of old box numbers and folders, the renaming of folder titles if necessary, and the establishment of this finding aid. Researchers should note that Eliot's initial donation of material has been re-arranged several times since the 1920s and that the original arrangement of his donation has long since been lost. Consequently, during the 2006 re-processing, the archivist attempted to maintain the order of the papers as found with minimal re-arrangement. Exceptions are noted in the series descriptions. As part of this finding aid, the archivist created a map to old call numbers, box numbers, and folders that were eradicated. This map is located at the end of this finding aid. An online guide to the obsolete call numbers eradicated during processing is also available. For more information about the early acquisition and processing of these papers see the Librarians' Files, 1897-1937, W.C. Lane, General Correspondence File, 1897-1928, Edw-EW, Box 16, UA III 50.8.10.2. Conditions on Use and Access: Permission of the University Archives is required for access to the Papers of Charles William Eliot. Please consult the reference staff for further details. Additional restrictions may apply. Related Material Records of the President of Harvard University, President Charles W. Eliot, 1869- 1925 (UAI 5.150). Eliot, Charles W. General folder (HUG 1359) Eliot, Samuel A. Papers of Samuel Atkins Eliot (HUG 1359.2xx) Villard, Oswald Garrison, 1872-1949. Correspondence. Houghton Library. Harvard College Library. Letters addressed to Oswald Garrison Villard from Charles W. Eliot, 1897-1919, Folder 1016. Search HOLLIS (Harvard's online library system) for works by and about Charles William Eliot. Series and Subseries in the Collection Biographical Materials http://oasis.lib.harvard.edu/oasis/deliver/~hua03006 6/30/2015 Charles William, 1834-1926. Papers of Charles William Eliot : an inventory Page 3 of 40 Birthday Greetings Boston Public Latin School Committees and Clubs Ephemera Honors conferred upon Charles W. Eliot Letters concerning the writing of Eliot's biography by Henry James Letters received by Eliot on his selection as President of Harvard University and the death of his wife Photograph of Eliot and his family during Christmas in Bermuda Dwelling-house Construction Writings about Charles W. Eliot Papers of Samuel Eliot and Samuel Atkins Eliot Correspondence General Correspondence Group 1 General Correspondence Group 2 General Correspondence Group 3 Family Correspondence Invitations Subject Files Writings College Themes A survey of mineral collections at the Paris Exposition of 1867 Literary Society Materials Account of a journey through Nova Scotia Teaching Career Teaching Materials Career and Administrative Files Scrapbooks Chronology 1834 March 20 Charles William Eliot is born in Boston, Massachusetts. 1849 Eliot graduates from Boston Public Latin School; enters Harvard College 1853 Eliot graduates from Harvard, second scholar in his class. 1854 Eliot becomes a tutor in mathematics at Harvard 1857 The Eliot family suffers severe financial losses 1858 October 27 Eliot marries Ellen Derby Peabody 1858 Eliot becomes Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Chemistry http://oasis.lib.harvard.edu/oasis/deliver/-hua03006 6/30/2015 Charles William, 1834-1926. Papers of Charles William Eliot : an inventory Page 4 of 40 1859 November 1 Ellen Derby Peabody Eliot gives birth to son, Charles 1861 Eliot takes charge of the Chemical Laboratory at the Lawrence Scientific School (Harvard University) 1862 August 24 Ellen Derby Peabody Eliot gives birth to a second son, Samuel 1863 Eliot leaves Harvard 1863 Eliot declines a commission as Lieutenant Colonel of the Cavalry from Governor Andrews of Massachusetts 1863-1865 Eliot spends two years in Europe with his family 1865 Eliot declines an offer to become superintendent of Merrimac Mills, Lowell, Massachusetts 1865 September Eliot returns to Boston to become Professor of Chemistry in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1867-1868 Eliot spends winter in Europe 1869 Eliot publishes articles in the Atlantic Monthly on "The New Education : its Organization" 1869 March 12 The Harvard Corporation elects Eliot as President of Harvard University 1869 March 13 Ellen Derby Peabody Eliot dies 1869 October 19 Eliots' inauguration as President of Harvard University 1871 Eliot buys a cruising yacht and begins spending summers on the coast of Maine 1877 October 30 Eliot marries Grace Mellen Hopkinson 1881 Eliot builds a summer cottage at Northeast Harbor, Maine 1894 Harvard faculties commemorate Eliot's twenty-fifth anniversary as president 1897 March 24 Eliot's son Charles dies 1904 March 20 Harvard honors Eliot on his seventieth birthday 1908 October 26 Eliot sends in his resignation from the Harvard University presidency 1909 May 19 Eliot's resignation takes effect 1909 http://oasis.lib.harvard.edu/oasis/deliver/~hua03006 6/30/2015 Charles William, 1834-1926. Papers of Charles William Eliot : an inventory Page 5 of 40 Eliot accepts a proposal from P.F. Collier and Son to edit the Harvard Classics 1911-1912 Eliot travels around the world as an emissary of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (November 5, 1911 to August 10, 1912) 1912 Eliot urges the election of Woodrow Wilson as President of the United States 1914 Eliot supports the United States policy of neutrality in World War I, but urges the complete defeat of Germany 1919 Eliot advocates the adoption of the Treaty of Versailles and United States entrance into the League of Nations 1924 March 20 Harvard commemorates Eliot's ninetieth birthday 1924 August 16 Grace Mellen Hopkinson Eliot dies 1926 August 22 Charles William Eliot dies at Northeast Harbor, Maine Biographical Essay Introduction Charles William Eliot (1834-1926) was President of Harvard University from March 12, 1869 to May 19, 1909. He also taught mathematics and chemistry at Harvard University (1858-1863) and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1865-1869). Eliot was one of the most influential educators of his day and the innovations he introduced at Harvard University influenced higher education throughout the United States. Eliot oversaw the transformation of Harvard from a regional institution to a world- class university. Early Life and Career Charles W. Eliot was born into a prominent Boston family with strong ties to Harvard University. His grandfather, Samuel Eliot (1739-1820), amassed the family's fortune in the trans-Atlantic trade. When he died he gave twenty thousand dollars to Harvard University to establish a Greek professorship. His father, Samuel Atkins Eliot (1798-1862), was a Harvard graduate (A.B. 1817), and Treasurer of the University from 1842 to 1853. Eliot's mother, Mary Lyman (1802-1875) came from a wealthy family of traders and textile mill owners. A bright student, Eliot attended the Boston Public Latin School. At 15 he entered Harvard University with particular interests in English, mathematics, and science. Immediately after graduation in 1853, Eliot became a Tutor in Mathematics (1854-1858). Later he became an Assistant Professor of Mathematics (1858-1861) and Assistant Professor of Chemistry (1858-1863). Eliot's organizational abilities and administrative skills were evident when he was placed in charge of the Lawrence Scientific School. Here Eliot introduced the first written exams given at Harvard University, emphasized laboratory instruction and exercises, and introduced the beginnings of and elective system of instruction. When Eliot was denied re-appointment in 1863, he left the United States for two years to study in Europe. Traveling throughout the major capitals of the continent, Eliot http://oasis.lib.harvard.edu/oasis/deliver/-hua03006 6/30/2015 Charles William, 1834-1926. Papers of Charles William Eliot : an inventory Page 6 of 40 studied and surveyed the organization of French and German universities. While on his trip abroad, Eliot was offered the position of the superintendent of Merrimack Mills in Lowell, Massachusetts. After some deliberation, Eliot turned down the opportunity to enter the business world and decided to return to academia with the acceptance of a Professorship of Chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1865-1869). Harvard Presidency Widely regarded as a strong administrator and recognized for his innovative educational philosophy, Eliot was selected as Harvard University's twenty-second president after the resignation of President Thomas Hill in 1869. Under Eliot's forty-year stewardship, Harvard University made the transition from a small college to a modern university. Eliot's presidency was marked by several major innovations at Harvard University. Among these were the development of graduate schools(medicine, law, and arts and sciences) the broadening of religious training at the Unitarian divinity school to include many other religious denominations, the promotion of the "Harvard Annex" which offered women, who were not allowed to earn Harvard degrees, college-level educational opportunities and later, in 1894, chartering Radcliffe College as a degree-granting institution for women, the establishment of exchange professorships with French and German universities, and the improvement of the administration of athletics with the introduction of stricter intercollegiate eligibility rules. Finally, Eliot championed the introduction and expansion of the elective system at Harvard University, by which students were allowed to choose from a wide range of subjects, thereby enlarging liberal arts study. Retirement Years Eliot retired from Harvard University in 1909 as one of the most recognized and influential leaders in education in the United States. Not willing to spend his retirement years quietly, Eliot took an active interest in the social reform movements of his day, lending his name, time, and administrative talents too many organizations. He joined the General Education Board to promote various American educational reforms, served as a board member of the National Education Association, joined the Rockefeller Foundation, was a member of the International Health Board, and was a trustee for the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. As a Vice-President for the National Committee on Mental Hygiene, Eliot took an active interest in promoting preventive medicine. He worked on a wide variety of organizations helping to combat venereal diseases, including the American Social Hygiene Committee of which he was the founding President. As an exponent of the arts, Eliot served as a trustee for the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and became the chairman of the Museum's Special Advisory Committee on Education. Civil Service reform was one of his earliest favorite reform efforts. He became one of the National Civil Service Reform League's vice-presidents and later assumed the position of president. Eliot spent his retirement years in active service to more than 200 leagues, associations, and committees dedicated to reform and the improvement of society. Each of them involved correspondence of some kind and in many cases Eliot was called upon to contribute an address, publication, or printed statement. http://oasis.lib.harvard.edu/oasis/deliver/~hua03006 6/30/2015 Charles William, 1834-1926. Papers of Charles William Eliot : an inventory Page / of 40 Conclusion Eliot was one of the most eminent university and college presidents in the United States, reforming and forever changing the most prominent university in the country, Harvard University. He was distinguished by his pioneering leadership in the field of education, his many reform activities, and most importantly, his interest in his fellow man. Family Charles William Eliot married Ellen Peabody Eliot (1836-1869) on October 27, 1858. They had four children: Charles (1859), Francis (1861), Samuel Atkins (1862), and Robert (1866). After Ellen's death in 1869, Eliot married Grace Mellen Hopkinson on October 30, 1877. Grace died on August 16, 1924. References: Cotton, Edward H.The Life of Charles W. Eliot. Boston:Small, Maynard, and Company 1926. James, Henry. Charles W. Eliot, President of Harvard University, 1869- 1909. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1930. Perry, Ralph Barton. "Charles William Eliot". In Dictionary of American Biography, Vol. VI. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1933. List of Family Members Below is a list of the members of the Charles William Eliot Family. Each is preceded by their relationship to him. Parents and Siblings Father: Samuel Atkins Eliot (1798-1862) Mother: Mary Lyman Eliot (1802-1875) Sister: Mary Lyman Eliot (1827-1924); married Charles Eliot Guild in 1854. Sister: Elizabeth Lyman Eliot (1831-1895); married Stephen H. Bullard in 1859. Sister: Catherine Atkins Eliot (1836-1882); married Francis H. Storer in 1871. Sister: Frances Anne Eliot (1838-1897); married by Henry Wilder Foote in 1863. Spouses and children Wife: Ellen Derby Peabody (1836-1869) Wife: Grace Hopkinson Eliot (1846-1924) Son: Charles (1859-1897) Son: Francis (b.1861) Son: Samuel Atkins (1862-1950) Son: Robert (1866-1867) In-laws Father-in-law: Ephraim Peabody (1807-1856) Mother-in-law: Mary Jane Derby Peabody (1807-1892) Brother-in-law: Francis Greenwood Peabody (1847-1936) http://oasis.lib.harvard.edu/oasis/deliver/~hua03006 6/30/2015 Charles William, 1834-1926. Papers of Charles William Eliot : an inventory Page 8 of 40 Brother-in-law: Robert Swain Peabody (1845-1917) Sister-in-law: Anna Huidekoper Peabody (b.1838) Scope of the Collection The Papers of Charles William Eliot document his personal and professional life. They date principally from his birth to 1869, omit the years of his Harvard Presidency, and resume from 1909 until his death. Materials related to Eliot's official activities as President of Harvard University (1869-1909) will not be found in these papers, nor will Eliot's later writings (1869 to 1926). Both of these form part of the Records of the President of Harvard University, President Charles W. Eliot (UAI 5.150). These papers are comprised of materials recounting Eliot's student days, his teaching career, and his early writings (up to 1869). It documents his travels around the world and provides an account of the many honors, awards, and accolades that Eliot received over his lifetime. A considerable part of these papers concern the extensive social reform activities of Eliot's retirement years. In addition, these papers include materials highlighting Eliot's relationship with his family and close friends. Series Descriptions and Folder Lists Series: Biographical Materials, 1807-1945 6.53 cubic feet (8 document boxes, 9 portfolio boxes, 2 flat boxes) Processing Information: The archivist gathered this material into groups and arranged it by subject, topic, or genre. Arrangement: The Biographical Materials series has eleven subseries: Birthday Greetings Boston Public Latin School Committees and Clubs Ephemera Honors conferred upon Charles W. Eliot Letters concerning the writing of Eliot's biography by Henry James Letters received by Eliot on his election as President of Harvard University and on the death of his wife Photograph of Eliot and his family during Christmas in Bermuda Dwelling-house Construction Writings about Charles W. Eliot Papers of Samuel Eliot and Samuel Atkins Eliot Scope and Content: This series contains a limited selection of materials documenting Eliot's personal and family life. In addition, it also includes a small collection of materials concerning Eliot's immediate family. This series contains news clippings, speeches and addresses, letters, post cards, telegrams, publications, invitations, programs, reports, lists, index cards, books, stamps, diplomas, certificates, medals, citations, passports, announcements, sketches and drawings, wills, invoices and receipts, and a photograph. Birthday Greetings, 1904-1926, 1934 2.4 cubic feet (3 document boxes, 6 portfolio boxes) Related Material: See the Honors conferred upon Charles W. Eliot subseries for additional birthday material. http://oasis.lib.harvard.edu/oasis/deliver/~hua03006 6/30/2015 Harvard University. President's Office. Records of the President of Harvard University, ..Page 1 of 127 UAI 5.150 Harvard University. President's Office. Records of the President of Harvard University, Charles W. Eliot, 1869-1930 : an inventory Harvard University Archives 1/8/08 19,49 TAS p.27 Harvard University ©President and Fellows of Harvard College, 2006 WAL Descriptive Summary Repository: Harvard University Archives Call No.: UAI 5.150 Creator: Harvard University. President's Office. Title: Records of the President of Harvard University, Charles W. Eliot, 1869-1930. Quantity: 90 cubic feet (205 document boxes, 40 portfolio boxes, 2 card file boxes, 2 microfilm reels) Abstract: Charles William Eliot (1834-1926) was President of Harvard University from March 12, 1869 to May 19, 1909. He transformed Harvard from a regional institution to a world-class university. The Recordsconsist of official records produced by his administration. The largest part of these papers, consisting of correspondence and writings, document important aspects of Eliot's administration and shed light on his leadership and accomplishments. Note: This document last updated 2006 September 11. Acquisition Information: Most of papers in this collection were transferred by Charles W. Eliot to the Harvard University Archives, ca. 1890s to ca. 1920s. Additional materials were acquired through donation or purchase. Whenever possible the archivist noted the terms of acquisition in the folder lists below. Acquisitions known to come from sources others than C. W. Eliot are as follows: 1901, H. Ernestine Ripley 1920s, Charles William Eliot 1931, Henry James 1932, Harris Kennedy 1933, Samuel A. Eliot 1934, Grace Eliot Dudley http://oasis.lib.harvard.edu/oasis/deliver/xslTransform;jsessionid=C39B534BCE3084129 12/22/2007 Harvard University. President's Office. Records of the President of Harvard University, C..Page 2 of 127 1943, Jerome D. Greene 1953, W.A. Meyer 1958, James R. Reynolds 1959, Mrs. A.F. Wittem 1964, Arthur Maas 1964, Samuel Eliot Morrison 1965, T. Roland Berner 1966, J.K. Wright 1967, Max Fisch 1974, Hite Lambert Accession number: 17358; 2006 May 15 Processing Information: The papers of Charles William Eliot and the records of Eliot's Harvard presidency were first classified and described in the Harvard College Library shelflist as the Papers of Charles William Eliot (UAI 15.894) and Eliot Records (UAI 5.150). In 2006, archivist Dominic P. Grandinetti re-processed all of the Eliot material. Re-processing started with properly identifying misclassified materials, SO that all Eliot's papers were re-classified to UAI 15.894 and all the records of Eliot's presidential administration to UAI 5.150. The few exceptions to this are noted in the inventories. The archivist then rehoused all the material, eliminated old box numbers and old folders, renamed folders if necessary, established the series and sub-series hierarchies, and created the inventories. Eliot's initial transfers of material had been re- arranged several times since the 1920s and definitive evidence of original arrangement had long been lost. However, during the 2006 re-processing, the archivist attempted to maintain what remained of the original order. Exceptions are noted in the series descriptions. As part of the Eliot project, he archivist created a map to old call numbers, box numbers, and folders that were eradicated. A link to this map is located at the end of the inventory. For more information about the early acquisition and processing of these papers see the Librarians' Files, 1897-1937, W.C. Lane, General Correspondence File, 1897-1928, Edw-EW, Box 16, UAIII 50.8.10.2. Conditions on Use and Access: These records are open to researchers. Please consult the reference staff for details on how to obtain access. Some restrictions may apply. Related Material Records of the Harvard Corporation Papers of Charles William Eliot, 1807-1945 Eliot, Charles W. General folder (HUG 1359) Digitized images of Eliot are available in the inventory of Harvard University photographs : portrait files under: Eliot, Charles William (HUP Eliot, Charles William) and through VIA Harvard's integrated online image catalog Search HOLLIS, Harvard's online library information system, for works by and about Charles William Eliot. Series and Subseries in the Collection http://oasis.lib.harvard.edu/oasis/deliver/xslTransform;jsessionid=C39B534BCE3084129 12/22/2007 Harvard University. President's Office. Records of the President of Harvard University, C. Page 3 of 127 Biographical Materials Correspondence General Correspondence Group 1 General Correspondence Group 2 General Correspondence Group 3 General Correspondence Group 4 General Correspondence Group 5 Letterbooks Shorthand Notes Appointments, Salaries, and Appropriations Gifts and Bequests Subject Files Harvard University Files Non-Harvard University Files Writings Addresses, Speeches, and Articles Inscriptions Briefs Drafts The Religion of the Future The Harvard Classics Publisher's Correspondence Academic Costumes Biographical Essay Charles W. Eliot (1834-1926) was President of Harvard University from March 12, 1869 to May 19, 1909. A strong administrator and creative educator, Eliot's presidency was marked by several major innovations that transformed Harvard University from a regional institution to a university of international stature and helped broaden and invigorate American education. Among these major innovations were: The re-organization of the Harvard Medical School and its placement on a firmer financial foundation The re-making of the Law School and the introduction of the "case system" of instruction The re-building of the Divinity School with a Faculty containing members of several denominations The establishment of religious services on a voluntary basis under a board of preachers representing several denominations The establishment of a requirement of a previous degree for admission to all the professional schools The administration of the University as a group of departments, including http://oasis.lib.harvard.edu/oasis/deliver/xslTransform;jsessionid=C39B534BCE3084129.. 12/22/2007 Harvard University. President's Office. Records of the President of Harvard University, .Page 4 of 127 undergraduate and graduate schools of medicine, law, and arts and sciences The perfecting of an elective system by which students were allowed to choose from a wide range of subjects, enlarging liberal arts study Increases in the endowment and in the number of students The improvement in the scholarly merit of the men appointed to teach at the University The improvement of student life and services Eliot's two main contributions to the development of higher education in the United States were his promotion of an elective system of courses and the improvement in professional education. He wrote extensively about the elective system, convinced that giving students a choice in their studies would improve mental discipline and training. By 1885, Harvard students had complete choice in the selection of their studies. In addition, through tireless effort, by the time of Eliot's retirement, Harvard had earned a reputation for vigorous academic scholarship and rigor in its professional schools. During Eliot's forty-year tenure as President of Harvard University, Eliot fought for those reforms and changes that he thought were needed to improve Harvard and nourish the intellectual curiosity of its students. From expanding the size of the faculty, seeking prospective students throughout the nation, raising admission standards, improving educational opportunities for women, reforming the college statutes, attracting money for new dormitories and college buildings, promoting faculty research, or improving faculty salaries, Eliot touched every aspect of Harvard administration as President, helping to transform a small liberal arts college into a major university. C. W. Eliot Biographical Sources Cotton, Edward H. The Life of Charles W. Eliot. Boston: Small, Maynard, and Company 1926. Dunbar, C.F. "President Eliot's Administration, 1869-1894." The Harvard Graduates Magazine 17, no. 67 (March, 1909) : 407-430. James, Henry. Charles W. Eliot, President of Harvard University, 1869-1909. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1930. Morison, Samuel Eliot, ed. "The Development of Harvard University, since the Inauguration of President Eliot, 1869-1929." Vol. VI. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1930. Perry, Ralph Barton. "Charles W. Eliot" In Dictionary of American Biography, Vol. VI. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1933. Taussig, F.W. "President Eliot's Administration, 1894-1909." The Harvard Graduates Magazine 17, no. 67 (March, 1909) : 375-390. Historical Note Chronology 1869 The Harvard Corporation elects Eliot as President of Harvard University, March 12 1869 Eliot's inauguration occurs on October 19 1872 http://oasis.lib.harvard.edu/oasis/deliver/xslTransform;jsessionid=C39B534BCE3084129.. 12/22/2007 Harvard University. President's Office. Records of the President of Harvard University, C..Page 5 of 127 Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is founded Arnold Arboretum is established Great fire of Boston, President Eliot personally rescues University financial records and equities 1874 Department of Fine Arts is established Harvard offers United States' first courses in architecture 1878 Memorial Hall is completed Construction of Hemenway Gymnasium, heralded as the world's finest, begins The Harvard Annex, later the Society for the Collegiate Instruction of Women, later Radcliffe College, opens with 27 female students 1880 Sever Hall built 1883 Austin Hall built School of Veterinary Medicine founded 1884 Elective system extended to freshman year at Harvard Jefferson Physical Laboratory completed 1885 Fay Mansion on Cambridge Common is purchased for the Annex 1886 Two Hundred Fiftieth Anniversary celebrated with more than 2,500 alumni and friends, U.S. President Cleveland attends President Eliot's elective system of courses is fully implemented Harvard ends compulsory prayers, is the first American institution to do SO 1889 Graduate School made a distinct branch of the University Faculty of Arts and Sciences established as umbrella for Harvard College, Lawrence Scientific School and the Graduate School Semitic Museum founded 1891 Eliot secures the Corporation's endorsement for his plan of shortening and enriching the school course, adding natural history, laboratory physics, algebra, geometry, and the classic and modern languages Instruction begins in American archaeology, ethnology, and anthropology 1894 Radcliffe College incorporated; holds its first commencement Harvard faculties commemorate Eliot's twenty-fifth anniversary as President 1895 Fogg Museum completed 1898 Gym built for Radcliffe College 1901 First course offered in landscape architecture and city planning Harvard Union established Stillman Infirmary and first Radcliffe dormitory, Bertram Hall completed School of Veterinary Medicine dissolved http://oasis.lib.harvard.edu/oasis/deliver/xslTransform;jsessionid=C39B534BCE3084129 12/22/2007 Harvard University. President's Office. Records of the President of Harvard University, C..Page 6 of 127 1903 Harvard Stadium opens, the first reinforced concrete stadium in the United States 1904 Harvard honors Eliot on his seventieth birthday, March 20 University begins $2.5 million fund drive, its first great capital campaign For the first time, graduating seniors number more than five hundred 1905 Eliot arranges for the building of the Harvard Medical School in the Fenway Eliot issues his annual report in which he attacks the game of football as detrimental to the morals of students 1906 Langdell Hall built, Harvard Forest acquired 1908 The Graduate School of Business opens formally as a graduate department of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Eliot sends in his resignation from the Harvard University presidency, October 26 1909 Eliot's resignation takes effect Scope of the Collection The Records of the President of Harvard University, Charles W. Eliot, consist of official records produced by Eliot and his administration. They date principally from 1869 to his retirement in 1909. The largest part of these papers, consisting of correspondence and writings, document important aspects of Eliot's administration and shed light on his leadership and accomplishments. These papers illustrate Eliot's roles as a salesman, lobbyist, educator, philosopher, cheerleader, and chief executive of Harvard University for forty years. Material related to Eliot's personal life will not be found in these papers, nor will Eliot's earlier writings (1848-1868). Both of these form part of the Papers of Charles William Eliot (UAI 15.894). Series Descriptions and Folder Lists Series: Biographical Materials, 1869-1926, 1934 and undated 0.7 cubic foot (2 document boxes) Processing Information: The materials in this series had no discernible order. The archivist assembled the material into groups by genre. News clippings were photocopied onto acid-free paper. Scope and Content: The bulk of the material in this series focuses on Charles W. Eliot's activities as President of Harvard University. The largest part of this series comprises clippings that recount Eliot's administration of Harvard University and illustrate the university's growth and development under Eliot's supervision. Additional materials provide descriptions of Eliot's ventures during his retirement years. This series chiefly contains news clippings, but also includes reprints, articles, pamphlets, letters, and photographs. Charles William Eliot Fund, 1908-1909 Box 1 Clippings, obsolete indexes of articles and books about Eliot, undated Box 1 http://oasis.lib.harvard.edu/oasis/deliver/xslTransform;jsessionid=C39B534BCE3084129. 12/22/2007