Whitman College

The 1986 American Philosophical Association's Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Education in Philosophy gained Whitman national recognition for having received an honor that had been awarded only twice before. When it was discovered that the award had beenfabricated by a disgruntled ex-student,Whitman received national recognition and ridicule.

From the guide to the Whitman College Philosophy Department Records, 1987-1989, (Whitman College and Northwest Archives)

Whitman College was founded as a seminary (private academy) in 1859 by Reverend Cushing Eells, in memory of missionary Marcus Whitman. The institution began operating on October 13, 1866 but suffered from the little interest shown in education by the students, discipline problems, discontinuous administration, and lack of leadership. It wasn't until the 1882-3 academic year that the institution was chartered as college, and Alexander Jay Anderson accepted its presidency. The support and generosity of the people in Walla Walla were crucial for the survival and development of the college. With the help of many local and regional contributions and gifts, new buildings were erected: administration buildings, new dormitories, a gymnasium and an endowment fund created. Regular meeting of the faculty as an administrative body also began in 1882. It was Anderson who, after succeeding into hiring stable and competent faculty, installed weekly and special meetings: faculty meetings.

From the description of Whitman College Faculty Meeting Minutes, 1882-2006. (Whitman College). WorldCat record id: 664566532

{Text of biographical or historical note, in paragraphs; separate each with paragraph tags} In 1883, the Washington Territorial Legislature authorized the purchase of land to build a penitentiary and selected Walla Walla as the site in 1885. Construction began in 1886 and the first inmate arrived in 1887

In 1901, the facility was designated as Washington’s maximum-security facility. Violence, including the “Lincoln Day Riot” in 1934 that cost the lives of one guard and nine inmates, eventually led to reforms in the 1960’s during the tenure of B.J. Rhay, warden from 1954-1974. Inmates were allowed greater freedoms and a form of self-government. Increased crime in the institution eventually led to the liberal policies being abandoned in the early 1980’s

From the guide to the Washington State Penitentiary Collection, {Collection title; required}, 1886-2008 (bulk 1930's-1970's), (Whitman College and Northwest Archives)

{Text of biographical or historical note, in paragraphs; separate each with paragraph tags} The Whitman College sophomore class produced the first student-run play, “She Stoops to Conquer,” on June 13, 1904, under the direction of Edith Merrell Davis. Ten years later, in October 1914, the Whitman Dramatic Club formed. The sophomore class performed the annual plays until 1948, when the Whitman Dramatic Club opened participation to the entire student body.

The Dramatic Club presented its first play, “Milestones,” on March 5, 1915. Edith Merrell Davis worked as director for the club from 1922 until her retirement in 1946. She also taught Whitman’s first drama class, titled “Dramatic Interpretation and Play Production,” beginning in 1925 and oversaw various one-act plays for special events.

Frederick J. Hunter took over Davis’ position in 1946 for two years. He was succeeded by Rodney Alexander in 1948. The college established the “Dramatic Arts” major in 1950. Alexander ran the theatre program in barracks buildings moved from the former army McCaw Hospital until a fire destroyed the buildings in 1958. Alexander designed the new Harper Joy Theatre and continued the program from this building. Until his retirement in 1967, Alexander’s efforts brought renown to the Whitman theatre program. The program was carried on by John Freimann from 1962 through 1992 and Nancy Simon, who joined the program in 1967. They maintained a diverse program of one-act plays, plays for children, traditional theatre, and spring musicals

From the guide to the {Collection title; required}, Whitman College Theatre Records, 1902-2009, (Whitman College and Northwest Archives)

Whitman College was founded as a seminary (private academy) in 1859 by Reverend Cushing Eells, in memory of missionary Marcus Whitman. The institution began operating on October 13, 1866 but suffered from the little interest shown in education by the students, discipline problems, discontinuous administration, and lack of leadership. It wasn’t until the 1882-3 academic year that the institution was chartered as college, and Alexander Jay Anderson accepted its presidency. The support and generosity of the people in Walla Walla were crucial for the survival and development of the college. With the help of many local and regional contributions and gifts, new buildings were erected: administration buildings, new dormitories, a gymnasium and an endowment fund created.

Regular meeting of the faculty as an administrative body also began in 1882. It was Anderson who, after succeeding into hiring stable and competent faculty, installed weekly and special meetings: faculty meetings.

From the guide to the Whitman College Faculty Meeting Minutes, 1882-2006, (Whitman College and Northwest Archives)