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Central University Records, 1873-1904

By Kyle Beeler

Collection Overview

Title: Central University Records, 1873-1904

Creator: Central University (Richmond, Ky.) (1874-1901)

Extent: 3.36 Cubic Feet

Date Acquired: 05/31/2002

Languages: English [eng]

Scope and Contents of the Materials

Although Central University consolidated with Centre College at Danville in 1901 and ceased to exist in Richmond, several of her influential graduates from Madison County desired to continue higher education activities at Richmond. They vigorously pushed for the Kentucky General Assembly's passage of the Normal School enabling legislation in 1906. These citizens also were directly instrumental in Richmond and the physical plant of Central University being selected as the site for one of the recently approved state normal schools. Therefore, Eastern Kentucky University's heritage can rightfully be traced back to 1873 and the establishment of Central University.

Eastern Professor of History Jonathan Truman Dorris devoted considerable time to locating any information he could secure on Central University while researching and writing the history of Eastern. In 1934 he published an article in the Register of the Kentucky Historical Society on the history of old Central. Dorris collected numerous documents on Central University through the years and donated many of them to the Crabbe Library. He also had permission from Centre College officials to copy the minutes from the Board of Curators of Central University.

Interest in Central University's history was revived again in 1974 when Eastern celebrated the centennial year of higher education in Richmond. By 1977 the newly created University Archives began gathering documents on Central University. The Archives copied all existing Central University records in the Crabbe Library and received donations of several previously unknown University publications. In 1979 the Archivist contacted Centre College librarian, Mr. John May, and inspected their archives files for documents on Central University. Unfortunately, the archives was not organized, but the Archivist uncovered a number of documents that were not in Eastern's archives. Permission was granted to copy those records. Several years later Centre received a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission to process and catalog all of its archival records. Mr. John Le Doux, project archivist, processed the archives and graciously permitted Eastern to photocopy or microfilm any newly uncovered Central University materials.

The information on the University's official history can be gleaned from a fine set of publications - the catalogs and yearbooks. However, the records from the office of the chief executive officer, the Chancellor, are very incomplete. Hardly any documents from Chancellor Breck's administration have survived, and only the latter years of Chancellor Blanton's tenure are adequately documented, especially the Robb cheating controversy case.

Note: This collection was reprocessed and combined with material from the Townsend Collection.

Biographical Note

Central University was founded as the result of a split of the Presbyterian Church in Kentucky into Northern and Southern branches. While the Presbyterian Church had split into two branches in 1861, principally over the issue of slavery, the Church did not split in Kentucky until 1867. The branches both claimed control of Centre College in Danville, and it finally took a Federal court in 1871 to determine that the Northern branch controlled the institution. A group of concerned members of the Southern Synod met in 1872 and formed the Alumni Association of Central University. Members included Alumni of Centre College as well as other prominent leaders of the movement. The Alumni Association offered to cooperate with the Synod in establishing a university.

At a meeting of the Alumni Association in Louisville, in February 1873, an effort to provide synodical control of the University was defeated. Central University received a charter from the State Legislature on March 3, 1873. The charter placed the government of the University in the hands of those who had endowed it and who would later become its graduates and whom the Alumni Association might thereafter elect.

The Association called for an endowment of $150,000 but received pledges for $220,000. Anchorage, Kentucky was selected as the site for the University, but when the citizens of Richmond and Madison County pledged $101,000, the school opened there on September 22, 1874 with a total of 224 students and one newly built classroom building. The original college organization consisted of a College of Letters and Science, a College of Law, and a Preparatory Department in Richmond, and a College of Medicine, in Louisville.

In 1886 a College of Dentistry was opened in Louisville. And in the 1890s three associated institutions opened: Jackson (S. P. Lees) Collegiate Institute (1890) in Breathitt County, Hardin Collegiate Institute (1892) in Elizabethtown, and Middlesboro Collegiate Institute (1896).

The Alumni Association appointed the Board of Curators, which served as the trustees. Eventually, in 1884 the Southern Synod took over direct control of appointing the Board of Curators in exchange for the Church's financial support. The University itself was headed by a chancellor. Robert Levi Breck served in that capacity from 1874 to 1880. He was succeeded by Lindsay Hughes Blanton, who served until the consolidation with Centre College in 1901.

Almost from the outset, Central University had financial problems. The original endowment was in promissory notes and pledges, a large number of which went uncollected due to the Panic of 1873. Another important endowment drive was hampered by the Panic of 1893. Enrollment was also a problem. It dropped every year of Brecks chancellorship, and the school never graduated a class larger than 25. The University itself became co-educational in the 1890s, with women first graduating in 1896. However, the enrollment and financial problems led directly to the consolidation with Centre College. Prominent Madison Countians bitterly fought the consolidationists, but were outvoted. Finally on July 16, 1901 the merger between the schools took place. The new institution would be located in Danville and known as the Central University of Kentucky. An act of the State Legislature in 1918 changed the name back to the Centre College of Kentucky.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Source: May, John (Centre College), Dorris, Jonathan T. (Eastern)


Box and Folder Listing

Box 1Add to your cart.
Barcode: 31234014052532
Folder 1: General Correspondence/Speeches, 1878-1898Add to your cart.
Contains correspondence primarily to/from L.H. Blanton. There are numerous items that are related to an account held with the Presbyterian Church of the United States as well. Also included are items of correspondence to/from various people, and there are a lot of items regarding monetary payments.
Folder 2: General Correspondence/Speeches, 1899-1901Add to your cart.
Contains correspondence primarily to L.H. Blanton as well as others. Also included is account statements, letters from banks, letters from law offices, and letters from other universities/academies. There are also speeches/statements.
Folder 3: General Correspondence/Speeches, 1901-1939Add to your cart.
Includes an address, correspondence, and a telegram.
Folder 4: Railroad Regulation Address, 1884Add to your cart.
Small, printed booklet containing an address to the students of C.U.
Folder 5: "United We Stand, 1890Add to your cart.
Manuscript of an oration presented to the students of C.U.
Folder 6: "In Memoriam: Mrs. Elizabeth Irvine Blanton", 1902Add to your cart.
Book of remembrance for L.H. Blanton's wife, Elizabeth.
Folder 7: Epiphyllidian Constitution/By-Laws, 1890Add to your cart.
Constitution and by-laws for the Epiphyllidian literary society.
Folder 8: Misc. Literary Society Files, 1877-1888Add to your cart.
Invitations and programs for gatherings of the literary societies.
Folder 9: Theta Nu Epsilon Charter, 1898Add to your cart.
Charter for the Theta Nu Epsilon fraternity's new chapter at C.U.
Folder 10: Fraternity Information, 1883-1994Add to your cart.
Various articles of information to include correspondence, publications, and biographies of notable characters involved in C.U./EKU fraternities.
Folder 11: Dr. James Venable Logan, 1908-1965Add to your cart.
A memorial booklet for Dr. Logan as well as other pieces discussing the unveiling of his portrait in 1965.
Folder 12: List of Notable Characters, 1874-1901Add to your cart.
A listing of trustees, curators, etc. for the university.
Folder 13: Biographical Documents, 1903-1961Add to your cart.
Various publications and articles presenting biographical information over characters such as L.H. Blanton.
Box 2Add to your cart.
Barcode: 31234014052540
Folder 1: Robb Case Files, 1898-1900Add to your cart.
Documents, correspondence, and testimonies pertaining to an expulsion case brought upon a young man accused of cheating.
Folder 2: C.U. Fact Booklet, 1900Add to your cart.
Loose papers containing facts about C.U.
Folder 3: The Students' Hand Book, 1896-1900Add to your cart.
Two copies of student hand books from Central University. These documents explain traditions, history, and organization of the university. They also include information about Richmond and the surrounding area.
Folder 4: Historical Articles, 1934Add to your cart.
Contains two pieces which examine the historical background of Central University.
Folder 5: Associated Institution Files - S.P. Lees, 1892-1901Add to your cart.
Contains notes, a letter of authorization for L.H. Blanton to absolve Lee's debts, and correspondence.
Folder 6: Associated Institution Files - Hardin, 1899-1901Add to your cart.
Contains correspondence and financial statements.
Folder 7: Associated Institution Files - Middlesboro, 1896-1900Add to your cart.
Contains correspondence, financial statements, an inventory list, and a contract.
Folder 8: Associated Institution Files - Law, 1900-1901Add to your cart.
Contains an announcement which includes a historical note, faculty listing, courses of study, expense list, and a list of the graduating class of 1900.
Folder 9: Associated Institution Files - Medicine, 1900-1901Add to your cart.
Contains correspondence and a newspaper clipping.
Folder 10: Board Meeting Minutes, 1873-1901Add to your cart.
Book containing a compilation of board meeting minutes.
Folder 11: Alumni Association Minutes, 1873Add to your cart.
Loose papers containing minutes from the alumni associations meetings.
Folder 12: List of Graduates, 1874-1901Add to your cart.
List of graduates.
Folder 13: List of Graduates, 1874-1901Add to your cart.
List of graduates.
Folder 14: List of Non-Graduating Students, 1875-1902Add to your cart.
List of students who did not graduate.
Box 3Add to your cart.
Barcode: 31234014052524
Folder 1: Central University of Kentucky Record, 1906Add to your cart.
This document is a register of the living alumni of Centre College, The Central University, Centre College of CU, and the College of Law. Names of alumni are drawn from as far back as 1839 and extend to 1905.
Folder 2: Commencement/Baccalaureate Programs, 1877-1899Add to your cart.
Programs for commencement ceremonies and baccalaureate activities.
Folder 3: "The Atlantis", 1886-1877Add to your cart.
Contains photo-copied and original issues of the student newsletter.
Folder 4: "The Atlantis", 1888Add to your cart.
Contains photo-copies of the student newsletter.
Folder 5: "The Atlantis", 1889Add to your cart.
Contains photo-copies of the student newsletter.
Folder 6: "The Atlantis", 1890-1898Add to your cart.
Contains photo-copies and original issues of the student newsletter.
Folder 7: Catalogs, 1874-1881Add to your cart.
Contains original and photo-copied issues of Central University catalogs.
Folder 8: Catalogs, 1881-1886Add to your cart.
Contains original and photo-copied issues of Central University catalogs.
Box 4Add to your cart.
Barcode: 31234014052516
Folder 1: Catalogs, 1886-1891Add to your cart.
Contains original and photo-copied issues of Central University catalogs.
Folder 2: Catalogs, 1891-1894Add to your cart.
Contains original issues of Central University catalogs.
Folder 3: Catalogs, 1894-1896Add to your cart.
Contains original issues of Central University catalogs.
Folder 4: Catalogs, 1896-1898Add to your cart.
Contains original and photo-copied issues of Central University catalogs.
Folder 5: Catalogs, 1899-1900Add to your cart.
Contains original and photo-copied issues of Central University catalogs.
Folder 6: Catalogs, 1902-1903Add to your cart.
Contains an original issue of a Central University catalog.
Folder 7: Central University of Kentucky Record, Jan 1906Add to your cart.
Register of the Living Alumni.
Folder 8: Consolidation Files, 1901-1907Add to your cart.
Contains newspaper articles, correspondence, and other files relating to the consolidation of Central University and Centre College.
Box 5Add to your cart.
Barcode: 31234014052508
Folder 1: Legal Documents, 1886-1901Add to your cart.
Contains various legal documents and contracts.
Folder 2: Tuition Account BookAdd to your cart.
Tuition account book reflecting payments and balances.
Folder 3: Tuition Account BookAdd to your cart.
Tuition account book copy reflecting payments and balances.
Folder 4: Tuition Receipts, 1885-1900Add to your cart.
Tuition receipts.
Folder 5: Ledger - Student Accounts, 1874-1884Add to your cart.
Copy of student account ledger.
Folder 6: Ledger, 1880-1881Add to your cart.
Ledger containing financial balances.
Folder 7: Ledger, 1880-1883Add to your cart.
Ledger containing financial balances.
Folder 8: Ledger, 1883-1884Add to your cart.
Ledger containing financial balances.
Folder 9: Ledger, 1895-1896Add to your cart.
Ledger containing financial balances.
Box 6Add to your cart.
Barcode: 31234014052490
Folder 1: Ledger, 1896-1897Add to your cart.
Ledger containing financial balances.
Folder 2: Ledger, 1897-1898Add to your cart.
Ledger containing financial balances.
Folder 3: Ledger, 1897-1899Add to your cart.
Ledger containing financial balances.
Folder 4: Ledger, 1898-1899Add to your cart.
Ledger containing financial balances.
Folder 5: Ledger, 1899-1900Add to your cart.
Ledger containing financial balances.
Folder 6: Ledger, 1900Add to your cart.
Ledger containing financial balances.
Box 7Add to your cart.
Barcode: 31234014052482
Folder 1: Donation/Subscription Lists, 1880-1885Add to your cart.
List of donations and subscriptions along with the amount.
Folder 2: Misc. Financial Documents, 1880-1901Add to your cart.
Contains miscellaneous financial documents, statements, and receipts.
Folder 3: Photographs, 1879-1901Add to your cart.View associated digital content.
Item 1: Faculty, 1882Add to your cart.
Faculty photo.
Creator: 8x10
Item 2: Senior Class, 1879Add to your cart.
Senior class photo.
Creator: 5x4
Physical Description: J.L. Schlegel
Item 3: Football Team, 1892Add to your cart.
Photo of C.U.'s league championship football team.
Creator: 8x10
Physical Description: J.L. Schlegel
Item 4: J.S. WittmeierAdd to your cart.
Photo of J.S. Wittmeier in uniform.
Creator: 5x7
Item 5: Central University Mandolin Club, 1894Add to your cart.
Creators:
Schlegel, Louis
Item 6: O.W. Butler, 1885Add to your cart.
Photo of O.W. Butler.
Creator: 5x7
Physical Description: J.L. Schlegel
Item 7: Jas Simpson, 1885Add to your cart.
Photo of Jas Simpson.
Creator: 5x7
Physical Description: J.L. Schlegel
Item 8: W.R. Welch, 1884Add to your cart.
Photo of W.R. Welch.
Creator: 5x7
Physical Description: J.L. Schlegel
Item 9: Young Man in Uniform, 1884Add to your cart.
Photo of a young man in a military-like uniform.
Creator: 5x7
Physical Description: J.L. Schlegel
Item 10: Orville A. Kennedy, 1884Add to your cart.
Photo of Orville A. Kennedy.
Creator: 5x7
Physical Description: J.L. Schlegel
Item 11: Graham Smith, 1884Add to your cart.
Photo of Graham Smith.
Creator: 5x7
Physical Description: J.L. Schlegel
Item 12: R. Tate Irvine, 1884Add to your cart.
Photo of R. Tate Irvine.
Creator: 5x7
Physical Description: J.L. Schlegel
Item 13: R.L. Marimon, 1884Add to your cart.
Photo of R.L. Marimon.
Creator: 5x7
Physical Description: J.L. Schlegel
Item 14: Chas G. Crooks, 1884Add to your cart.
Photo of Chas G. Crooks.
Creator: 5x7
Physical Description: J.L. Schlegel
Item 15: C.H.R. McElroy, 1884Add to your cart.
Photo of a young man named McElroy.
Creator: 5x7
Physical Description: J.L. Schlegel
Item 16: Commissioned Officers, 1999-1901Add to your cart.
Photo containing nine young men in uniform who received their commission as officers.
Creator: 8x10
Item 17: Walter Bucky, 1884Add to your cart.
Photo of Walter Buky.
Creator: 5x7
Physical Description: J.L. Schlegel
Item 18: P.F. Barbour, 1884Add to your cart.
Photo of P.F. Barbour.
Creator: 5x7
Item 19: Senior Class, 1901Add to your cart.
Senior class photo.
Creator: 8x10
Item 20: Central University News Staff, 1897-1898Add to your cart.
Creator: 8x10
Item 21: Rankin Mason, 1879Add to your cart.
This image is also part of the composite numbered 1984A002-002.
Creators:
Schlegel, Louis
Item 22: J.B. Paxton, 1879Add to your cart.
This image is also part of the composite numbered 1984A002-002.
Creators:
Schlegel, Louis
Item 23: Central University Preparatory Department Class Photo, 13 Nov 1894Add to your cart.
Folder 4: Cream and Crimson, 1895Add to your cart.
This document is a small booklet containing information about Central University. It is a year book of sorts, and it contains a great deal of information about the university, its organizations, and important people of the past.
Folder 5: MemorabiliaAdd to your cart.
Murad cigarette card featuring a young person from C.U. doing shotput.
Folder 6: Misc. Files, 1880-1894Add to your cart.View associated digital content.
Contains a newspaper clipping, an address, a program for an alumni meeting, hand-written notes, and a photo of buildings on campus.
Folder 7: Ephemera, 1874-1964Add to your cart.
Contains a copy of the college song, miscellaneous newspaper articles, a founders day program, a photo of J.S. Wittmeier, a listing of names, and other items.
Box 8Add to your cart.
Barcode: 31234014052797
Item 1: Endowment and Donation Ledger, 1886-1900Add to your cart.
Box 9Add to your cart.
Barcode: 31234014260234
Folder 1: Central News, 1897Add to your cart.
(Publication of Central University) (Vol. 1, No. 1-2, 4, 6, 8-10, 12-16)
Folder 2: Central News, 1897-1898Add to your cart.
(Vol. 2, No. 1-4, 6-7, 10-17, 19-31)
Folder 3: Central News, 1898-1899Add to your cart.
(Vol. 3, No. 1-2, 5, 7, 9-15, 17-20, 24, 26-27)
Folder 4: Central News, 1899-1900Add to your cart.
(Vol. 4, No. 1, 4, 6-10, 12-14, 16-18, 20, 26, 28, 30-32, 34-35)
Folder 5: Central News, 1900-1901Add to your cart.
(Vol. 5, No. 3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16-17, 19-22, 24-28, 30, 32-36(35 is a copy))
Folder 1: Oversize MaterialsAdd to your cart.
Barcode: 31234014052805
Item 1: Diploma, 30 Jun 1898Add to your cart.
Hospital School of Medicine of Central University, Diploma of Robert Allison Bass.
Item 2: Page from Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, 1885-12-05Add to your cart.
Includes a short article titled "What Kentucky is Doing for Higher Education" with woodcuts of the University Building, Memorial Hall and the Hospital College of Medicine at Louisville on the other.
Item 3: Central University Buildings, Richmond KY, 1885Add to your cart.
Plate from Perrin's 1885 History of Kentucky. Three images on one plate showing the University Building, Memorial Hall, and the four cottages, what was then know as faculty row.