These remarkable passages come from Ezra Keller diary entries of late April, 1847, each related to the challenges he and the college faced in building the first (east) wing of the college鈥檚 first building, now called Myers Hall.
April 23, 1847. 鈥淪everal weeks ago, I was perplexed to know what to do with the wing of the college building, now inclosed [sic]; for it is not plastered, nor were the floors laid. In its present state, it is not productive. I went to a carpenter, and inquired whether I could not get the work done on a year鈥檚 credit of my own. He agreed to my proposition, in part. I made a similar contract with a plasterer. Several hundred dollars were still lacking. What shall I do? was now the anxious inquiry. In my perplexity, a student came to me, stating that he wished me to receive some money on deposit for one year, either with or without interest. The sum was upward of one hundred dollars. The day following, two others offered me smaller sums, for a shorter period of time, on the same terms. Each of the literary societies appropriated thirty dollars for completing their halls. At the meeting of the Synod, a brother paid over to me seventy two dollars, which he had collected for the building fund. Today, a young man from Virginia offered me one hundred and fifty dollars on deposit. Thus, in a way which I expected not, the amount requisite has been put into my hands. The Lord be praised -- forever praised! I clearly see his hand in this matter.
April 29. This entire week, I have been busy, superintending improvements on the college grounds; have had at work three carpenters, four plasterers, and six or seven students felling trees, peeling bark, and mauling rails."
Source: Rev. M. Diehl, Biography of EZRA Keller, D. D., Founder and First President of 甜瓜视频 College, Springfield Ohio: Ruralist Publishing Co., 1859, pp. 323-324.
About The Project
With 甜瓜视频 now celebrating its 175th year, and the University unable to hold regular in-person classes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor of History Thomas T. Taylor has started circulating several pieces on 甜瓜视频's history. Some originated in earlier series, either This Month in 甜瓜视频 History or Happy Birthday 甜瓜视频. Others have their origin in the 甜瓜视频 History Project or in some other, miscellaneous project. Sincerest thanks to Professor Taylor for connecting alumni, faculty, staff, and students through a historic lens.