Jefferson County Online A part of the IAGenWeb and USGenWeb Projects Ankeney Hall Destroyed By Fire, 1902

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, August 20, 1902
Page 3, Columns 4 and 5

Ankeney hall, the main building of Parsons College, is in ruins. The walls are standing, apparently intact, but the interior of the three floors has been completely gutted. The fire was discovered about 1 o'clock Monday night, when Janitor James Turner, who lives in a cottage on the campus, was aroused by one of his little children with the statement that there was a light in the college building. As Mr. Turner approached the structure he noticed a light in the chemical laboratory, in the northeast corner of the third floor, like that from a gas flame. He did not think of fire until he had reached this room and forced open the locked door, when the whole interior seemed to be a mass of flame. This light had been noticed by other parties who were on the campus about 11 o'clock, and who supposed it was used by someone at study. Turner at once gave the alarm, and did what he could to prevent a spread of the fire. The buildings are removed from a hydrant, and considerable difficulty and loss of time were experienced in getting a line of hose to them. Before the firemen were able to do any really effective service the whole interior was a mass of fire and there was no possibility of extinguishing it.

In the meantime sparks from the burning building were flying through the air, and more than once the residence of President Hinitt was on fire. So dangerous was the situation that the work of removing its contents was commenced and everything in the way of carpets and furniture was taken to a place of safety.

The general opinion concerning the origin of the fire is that it started from chemicals in the laboratory.

It is probable that the burning of no single building in Fairfield could have involved so great a loss. College authorities have expended, at different times, $35,500 on the buildings which comprised Ankeney hall. It was completely and comfortably furnished, heated and lighted, at a cost of many thousands more. It is said that the seats in the chapel alone cost $1,000, the furnishings of each of the two society halls could not be duplicated for $1,000, there were three excellent pianos in different rooms, a library of 5,000 volumes, costly apparatus, etc. It is probable that the total loss will reach $55,000 to $60,000, and it would probably cost more than this to duplicate the building and its furnishings and equipment. Secretary W. G. Ross reports that the college had insurance to the amount of $24,500 in effect at the time of the fire, $21,500 on building and $3,000 on contents. The walls are the only salvage. It is a heavy loss to the institution, but the insurance will provide a very good start toward other buildings.

The Aldine and Alethean societies are said to have $450 insurance on the furnishings in their hall, the Orio and Elzevir none.

President Hinitt, with his family, has been absent from the city on his summer vacation, and was summoned home by telegraph yesterday. He has not been interviewd concerning the situation. A meeting of the board of trustees was held yesterday, however, a quorum being present, and it was decided to open the school as usual Tuesday, September 16th. Of course no definite arrangements have been made as to the accommodations to be provided, but Ballard hall and some portions of the president's residence could be used in an emergency.

Among resident trustees and friends of the college there seems to be no doubt that Ankeney hall will be rebuilt in modern and substantial form. This fire has occasioned great loss, but it is not so great as that of Iowa college and other like institutions which have risen from their ruins greater and stronger and more capable than before misfortune overtook them. The great fire may not prove so great a calamity as it now seems.

The files of THE LEDGER, in all probability, contain the most complete history of this structure which can be secured. Parsons College was incorporated February 24th, 1875, and the site for the buildings, formerly the residence of Hon. Bernhart Henn, was purchased later. April 9th of that year a contract was let to N. C. Terrell & Co., of Kankakee, Ill., for the first building. It was called the chapel, was 30x50 feet in size and two stories in height. The second floor was divided into two rooms. Alex. Black of Keokuk was the architect. Bids for the erection of this structure were opened April 19th, 1875, and ranged from $6,500 to $11,500, the contract being let at the former figure. Autust 16th the walls of the building fell because of a defective truss, and Ezra Brown, the superintendent, was killed and several workmen injured. The first exercises were held in the building September 9th, but it was not completed for some time after that date.

In 1881 the college had grown to such proportions that additional rooms was a necessity. Plans were drawn for it by Bell & Hackney, architects of Des Moines. Under them the old chapel was surrounded on three sides, east, west and south, by the new structure. The surface covered by this building was 76x90 feet, and it was three stories in height. It gave six rooms on the first floor 28x31 1/2 feet and two 9x17 feet. Two society halls were provided for on the second floor, each 24x40, while the third was fitted up for recitation rooms, etc. The corner stone of the building was laid June 21st, 1882. R. T. Shugart of Centralia, Ill., was superintendent of construction, and the cost of the work was estimated at $12,000 to $14,000.

The college building as it stood when burned was 76x114 feet and three stories in height, the central portion being 58x76 feet. It was known as Ankeney hall, and was named in honor of W. R. Ankeney of Des Moines, who gave $15,000 for its completion. C. A. Dunham of Burlington was the architect of this structure, E. P. Dunham of the same place superintendent. Work was commenced July 11th, 1890, and the building was formally dedicated February 13th, 1891. Mr. Ankeney's gift was $15,000, and the report of the building committee shows that a balance of $6.42 remained in its hands at the time of dedication. Some of this money was expended, however, upon a system of heating, water service, etc., which were used in other portions of the building.

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, August 27, 1902
Page 2, Column 3

--Anent the proposition for the removal of Parsons College to Ottumwa, The Centerville Citizen says:

An effort is being made in Ottumwa to move Parsons College there from Fairfield. A nice thing, indeed, would it be to move that Presbyterian institution of learning from a good moral city into the saloon-cursed and sin-laden city of Ottumwa. The good Presbyterians will never consent.

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, August 27, 1902
Page 2, Column 4

--Some Ottumwa people, taking advantage of the destruction of Ankeney hall by fire, are endeavoring to promote a movement for the removal of Parsons College to that city. When the people of Fairfield and Jefferson county complied with the conditions demanded by the trustees of the Parsons fund, which they did in letter and in spirit, the college was located here not for a day or for a year, but for all time. A few years later, when a shrinkage of several thousand dollars in the original subscriptions was developed, not through any fault of the people of Fairfield, it was made good to the utmost penny. THE LEDGER has too much faith in the trustees of Parsons College, and in the Presbyterian church of Iowa, to believe that they would now lend encouragement to a movement whose purpose is a breach of faith and contract, and especially for the removal of the institution to the Sodom of Iowa.

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, August 27, 1902
Page 3, Column 4

After the Fire.

THE LEDGER last week placed the cost of Ankeney hall at $35,500, taking the estimate of the committee which erected the second building, at the time the corner stone was laid, at $14,000. The records of the college have since been examined and show that $18,000 was expended on the structure at that time. Hence the cost of the hall was $39,500.

A portion of the north wall of the ruins was blown down during a high wind the night following the fire.

Trustees of the college have received word that the adjusters representing the companies which carried the risks on the burned structure will be here today to inspect the ruins and adjust the loss.

The fall term of college will open as usual Tuesday, September 16th. Ballard hall will afford accommodations for recitation rooms, and will be used for that purpose. Additional rooms can be secured without difficulty, if they are needed.

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, August 27, 1902
Page 3, Column 5

In Aid of Parsons College.

A meeting which was wholly spontaneous in its character was held by citizens of Fairfield Friday evening in the Library building to take initiatory steps toward the re-building of Ankeney hall, the main building of Parsons College, which was destroyed by fire last week. Fairfield has always been extremely loyal to this institution, and this meeting demonstrated that she still retains all her interest in it and is ready and willing to do what she can to aid it in present misfortunes.

The meeting of Friday evening was called to order by D. P. Stubbs, C. J. Fulton was named as chairman and Arthur G. Jordan as secretary. A committee on resolutions consisting of Chas. D. Leggett, Calvin Snook, J. E. Roth, John R. McElderry and Lee T. Gobble was appointed, and made the following report:

Resolved, That the citizens of Fairfield have heard with sorrow of the destruction of Ankeney hall, the principal building of Parsons College, and they are ready to loyally do their duty to help repair the great loss of the institution.

That we proceed at once to organize this community so as to raise money, and to take such other steps as may be deemed best to this end, by the appointment of an executive committee of five, to be named by the chairman of this meeting and announced through the newspapers, each committee to confer with the college authorities and to have power to call meetings of the citizens, appoint sub-committee and take any other steps necessary and advisable to the success of the work.

Of course there are no definite plans for the re-building of the college at this time, but there is the fullest confidence on the part of Fairfield people that it will be re-built in larger and better manner to give to the institution a new lease of life and a wider future. For the accomplishment of such a purpose the citizens of Fairfield will bend all their energies.

Chairman Fulton has made the following announcement: In compliance with the action taken at the meeting of Friday night, August 23d, as your exective committee to confer with the college authorities and to formulate and put into effect plans by which this community may render efficient assistance to the college, I name J. E. Roth, Dr. A. C. D. Bradshaw, C. C. Risk, L. T. Gobble and W. C. Spalding. These are representative citizens and may be trusted fully to do what, in their judgment, will most help the college and best further the interests of the community. For the rest of us it remains loyally and cheerfully to hold up their hands in the undertaking.

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, September 3, 1902
Page 3, Column 2

LOCAL MISCELLANY.

... An adjustment of the insurance of Parsons College has not yet been made. It amounts to $24,500, $3,000 of which is on contents of the building. Representatives of the companies are not inclined to dispute this claim, but they wish an appraisement of the buildings.

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, September 3, 1902
Page 3, Columns 2 and 3

Neighborhood News.

... Referring to the proposed removal of Parsons College, The Birmingham Enterprise says: "The Ottumwa people will discover that their efforts will be in vain. Fairfield will protect itself against any attempts of that kind. The college owns its grounds, several buildings stand unharmed by the fire and the insurance carried on the burned building will go far toward erecting a larger, better and more convenient school."

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, September 24, 1902
Page 3, Column 5

For a Greater Parsons.

At a special meeting last week the board of trustees of Parsons College considered various plans for repairing the losses caused by the recent fire and the placing of the school upon a more substantial foundation. Suggestions advanced by President Hinitt received the approval of the board, and a committee consisting of President F. W. Hinitt, Charles Parsons of St. Louis, Rev Willis G. Craig of Chicago, Thomas D. Foster of Ottumwa, W. E. Blake of Burlington and J. C. Thorne of this city, was appointed to prosecute the work. The plan provides for the expenditure of $125,000 for four and possibly five buildings and necessary equipment. President Hinitt will spend most of the coming year in the forwarding of these plans, and during his absence the duties of his office will devolve upon Prof. W. A. Wirtz, senior member of the faculty.

While there have been rumors that neighboring towns would make efforts to secure the removal of the school from Fairfield, no definite propositions have been made to the board, and it is not probable that there will be. Both board and patrons undoubtedly prefer that the institution remain in Fairfield, and there is a feeling that our people will do their full share in assisting the school in a financial way. A removal and its consequent drawbacks would scarcely repay the college for whatever additional financial aid might be offered.

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, October 1, 1902
Page 3, Column 5

In the Interest of Parsons College.

A committee of thirty business men held a meeting at the library Monday evening to consider the plans proposed by President Hinitt, and approved by the board of trustees, for enlarging the facilities, the scope and the value of Parsons College. The proposition stated by President Hinitt calls for the raising of a fund of $125,000, including the insurance on the burned building, all of which is to be devoted to the erection of new college buildings. Of this amount $25,000 is to be raised by Fairfield and Jefferson county, the remainder by college authorities. If Fairfield meets this demand, it is probable that all talk concerning the removal of the college will cease. And her people have never yet failed in an effort of this kind in which they were interested.

Under President Hinitt's plan $110,000 of this amount will be expended on seven modern and commodious buildings to be used as a science hall, academy and musical conservatory, library, chapel, gymnasium, administration and central heating plant. $15,000 will be used in equipment for these buildings. It will be a long step from the Parsons college which we have known to such an institution, but it is the general feeling that if the college is to take the rank it shold take among the educational institutions of Iowa and the west it must go forward.

The meeting was a satisfactory one in many particulars, and several handsome subscriptions were promised, although no systematic effort has yet been made to secure the necessary funds. It will take a considerable effort, and many liberal subscriptions, to secure the amount asked, but it will certainly retain the $150,000 which now forms the capital of the institution and place buildings on the campus which will cost $125,000.

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, October 8, 1902
Page 3, Columns 3 and 4

Providing for the College Fund.

The destruction of Ankeney hall by fire seemed little short of a calamity to friends of Parsons college and citizens of Fairfield generally, but the indications now are that it has given impetus to a movement which will make the institution greater and more valuable than it has ever been. College authorities have a plan for the enlargement and better equipment of the school which contemplates the expenditure of $125,000 in seven new buildings on the present campus. They have asked Fairfield and Jefferson county to contribute $25,000 of this amount, and will raise the remainder themselves. This amount seems a considerable one, but when it is considered that it means the location for all time of the college, with present buildings and endowment of $165,000, as well as the immediate expenditure of $110,000 for new buildings and $15,000 for equipment, it is will worth striving for. It will doubtless require the united effort of all our people to accomplish this work, but, when we consider the amounts of money the community has already given to public purposes, and that it has never failed in any movement of this kind, THE LEDGER feels satisfied that it will be done.

To secure this fund of $25,000 the committee to which the work was given has formulated a plan which, if successfully carried out, will not only secure the money necessary, but will also permanently benefit the community in another direction. It has secured an option on a tract of forty-four acres of land, immediately west of the city, on the Ottumwa road, an extension of West Burlington street, and proposes to divide it into lots and offer it for sale. These lots will be sold at $150 each, and the net proceeds will be given to the college fund. Choice of lots will be made as the govermnent is now disposing of public lands. The site of this addition is the most eligible one to be secured at this time, and the certainty that the property will increase in value is as great as that Fairfield will continue to grow and prosper. A number of the lots has already been taken, before any systematic effort has been made toward a canvass.

This plan has been worked very successfully in other communities, and the more it is investigated the more feasible it seems.

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, October 15, 1902
Page 3, Column 3

Another View of College Removal.
Washington Gazette.

The Mt. Pleasant Journal says that that city is bidding for Parsons College and has raised $90,000. Mt. Pleasant has a half starved college now and what it wants with another is a mystery. Besides if a college pulls up and leaves a city every time a building burns, what encouragement is there for a city to raise a bonus for one? It would be unfair to take the school from Fairfield because one building burned, and it will not be done. Washington wants a state normal. In a college town too many people give money to the school providing an equal amount is raised by the citizens and it is a continual drain on the city.

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, October 15, 1902
Page 3, Columns 3 and 4

Offers $75,000 for Parsons College.

W. B. Seeley of Mt. Pleasant has made a formal offer of $75,000 to Parsons College, provided the institution is removed to that city. His proposition has been submitted to the committee on location appointed by the board of trustees. It is said that it provides for a building fund of $25,000 to be available immediately, and $50,000 for the endowment fund. Mr. Seeley is a Presbyterian and a member of the board of trustees of Parsons. The money which he proposes to give is a trust fund left by the will of a brother, the late George L. Seeley of La Crew, who declared that his estate be given to the cause of christian education. The trustee, however, was given practically full power to the disposition of the bequest. It is certainly a handsome offer.

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, October 22, 1902
Page 3, Column 2

Among Our Neighbors.

... Mt. Pleasant people really seem to think that there is an opportunity for them to secure the removal of Parsons College, based on the proposed Seeley donation of $75,000. Her newspapers are discussing the question, Presbyterians are interesting themselves in the matter, and a public meeting has been held to appoint a canvassing committee to increase the amount to $100,000. THE LEDGER has no reason to believe that this institution will go to Mt. Pleasant, but it is really gratified to note that the project has put a life and vigor into Mt. Pleasant which has not been apparent for years. ...

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, October 29, 1902
Page 2, Column 2

RAISED COLLEGE FUND.

The people of Fairfield and Jefferson county have raised $25,000 for the rebuilding of Parsons College. They have done more than that, for they proposed to guarantee every paper represented in the subscription lists dollar for dollar.

Ankeney hall, the main building, was destroyed by fire August 19th. September 19th a proposition was made by college authorities for the re-building of the institution. October 6th the local committee began its work, and it was completed within three weeks.

THE LEDGER has had the utmost faith that our people were fully equal to this emergency. In times past they have given $300,000 for public purposes, and have never failed in any movement in which they were once enlisted. They have made this new gift to Parsons College in that same spirit of loyalty which has always characterized their dealings with the institution and which has made them its main-stay. Their action is the more creditable because there was no obligation on their part to raise this fund. In times past they had fully complied with the conditions under which the college was permanently located here. But the college was in distress. The destruction of Ankeney hall was a serious loss. College authorities devised a plan for the enlargement and betterment of the school. Our people saw the advantages of it, and they have now fully complied with its conditions.

The matter will now go before the board of trustees for final approval, and a meeting has been called for its consideration.

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, November 12, 1902
Page 2, Column 2

EDITORIAL NOTES.

--By a vote of 17 to 3 the trustees of Parsons College, at a meeting held in this city Monday, decided to keep the institution in Fairfield. ...

... --How cheaply Ottumwa "got into" the Parsons College removal--a lot of newspaper "slush" with not a penny behind it. Any cross roads hamlet could have done as well.

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, November 12, 1902
Page 3, Column 5

FAIRFIELD HOLDS PARSONS.

College Location Definitely Settled by Board of Trustees.

At a meeting of the board of trustees of Parsons College, held in this city yesterday, it was determined, by a vote of 17 to 3, not to change the location of the institution.

Only one proposition resulted from all the newspaper talk concerning the change. W. B. Seeley of Mt. Pleasant offered the college authorities $75,000 in cash, $50,000 for endowment and $25,000 for buildings, for the removal of the college to that city. His offer was supplemented by a donation of $25,000 and a site from citizens of that city. Shortly after the burning of Ankeney hall, however, a proposition had been submitted by Fairfield by which seven new buildings were to be erected on the college campus at a cost of $125,000, $25,000 of which was to be raised in Jefferson county. Fairfield had not only complied with this proposition, but had secured a total fund of $29,500, which she offered the institution.

The Mt. Pleasant proposition was presented by Messrs. Nicholas, Galer and Seeley, while Messrs. J. S. McKemey and C. M. Junkin appeared for Fairfield. The matter was discussed by the trustees for several hours, all phases of removal being considered.

There was an unusually large attendance at the meeting. Among the trustees present were: T. D. Foster and Rev. F. F. Stoltz, Ottumwa; G. W. Cable, Davenport; W. S. Dungan, Chariton; W. C. Howell, Rev. E. B. Newcomb, Keokuk; R. L. Parrish, Leon; Rev. W. G. Craig, Chicago; W. H. Hughes, Columbus Junction; Rev. J. F. Hinkhouse, Audubon; Rev. C. F. Moore, Fulton, Ill.; W. B. Seeley, Mt. Pleasant; Rev. T. D. Ewing and P. S. Junkin, Corning; Chas. D. Leggett, Rev. F. W. Hinitt, W. E. Thompson, B. S. McElhinny, A. S. Jordan, J. C. Thorne, W. G. Ross and Rollin J. Wilson of this city.

There was little fear among Fairfield people that Parsons College would be removed. There were moral and legal obligations involved in such a proposition which they felt would not be disregarded by the college board. Still, they will rejoice that the question of college location has been settled definitely and for all time. Fairfield's new gift of $25,000 to Parsons College is more in the nature of a free will offering to the institution than anything else, for years ago the citizens of this community fully complied with the terms by which the college was located here. People of city and country were willing, however, to come to the aid of the institution in time of distress and to do their full share toward rebuilding it in new and greater proportions.

At this meeting the trustees conferred upon President Craig the authority to appoint a building committee, and the work of reconstructing the college according to the new plans will be taken up at once.