Town: Alt. 530, pop. 3043, sett. 1765, incorp. 1761.
Railroad Station: B. & M. R.R., Central Vt. R.R., Hanover and Norwich, Vt., 0.8 m. (west) on W. Wheelock St.
Bus Station: Bee Line, Hanover Inn.
Airport: B.-M. — Central Vt. Airways, Twin State Airport, White River Junction, Vt., 5 m. (south).
Taxis: 50¢.
Accommodations: One hotel.
Tourist Information Service: Hanover Inn, New Hampshire Auto Association, 33 Main St.
Swimming: Storrs Pond, 2 m. (north) on State 10, (R) on Reservoir Road, (L) to Oak Hill.
Ski Jump: 2 m. (north) on State 10, on the Golf Club grounds.
Annual Events: Dartmouth Winter Carnival, mid-winter.
HANOVER, situated on a plateau above and half a mile back from the Connecticut River, is surrounded on three sides by hills that rise gradually to a culmination in Moose Mountain (alt. 2300). It is a typical New England college community, the seat of Dartmouth College, New Hampshire’s oldest and largest educational institution, and one that occupies a pre-eminent position among American colleges as one of the few remaining champions of a liberal arts education. Distinctly a college for men, here in 1937 was a student body of 2442 under the instruction of a faculty of some 250 members, occupying 64 buildings representing a valuation of about $9,000,000.
The center of the town and of the college is the elm-shaded Green, criss-crossed by walks. Everywhere about it are impressive buildings, from the dignified, white Colonial group of the earlier days on a slight rise on the eastern side of the Green, to the graceful white tower of the library and the fine row of Georgian structures on the west. Everywhere there is the feeling of fitness and harmony. Seemingly, as though by common consent, Hanover’s only business section is compressed into a small area on South Main Street, leaving the rest of the town unmarked by trade.
During the college year streets, sidewalks, and the Green are alive with students. Separately, in pairs, or in groups, they are headed in all directions, ‘going places’ in true collegiate fashion. On occasion more sedate members of the faculty are seen. In the wanner seasons the well-kept lawns of the Green are a favorite lounging-place. So large a part of the town’s population is connected with the college as faculty or students that ‘townies’ are hard to find. So closely interfused are town and college that it may truly be said that Hanover is Dartmouth College.
Before Dartmouth College, however, there was a little settlement here on this high land above the Connecticut. The town of Hanover, a tract of 22,400 acres, chartered by Governor Benning Wentworth of New Hampshire on July 4,1761, was not settled until the spring of 1765. In that year young Colonel Edmund Freeman, his wife, two children, and his brother came up the Connecticut trail to make their dwelling in the eastern part of the township. Freeman is credited with selecting the name for the settlement, taking it, undoubtedly, from the reigning house of Great Britain at that time. Characterized as ‘most serious, steady inhabitants’ the early settlers of Hanover were chiefly farmers.
In the closing years of the 1760’s the Rev. Eleazar Wheelock was rounding out fifteen years of conducting Moor’s Indian Charity School in Lebanon, Connecticut, and was considering the relocation of his school. He had sent one of his former Indian students, Samson Occom, a preacher, to England where his sermons attracted much attention. Through his preaching and his personality Occom succeeded in raising an endowment of £11,000 sterling. With these funds at his disposal Wheelock determined to seek a new site and widen the scope of his school. At his request a charter for a new school was granted by King George III in 1769, authorizing the establishment of a college ‘for the education & instruction of Youth of the Indian Tribes in this Land in reading, writing & all parts of Learning which shall appear necessary and expedient for civilizing and christianizing Children of Pagans as well as in all liberal Arts and Sciences; and also of English Youth and any others.’
A number of sites from New Hampshire to Virginia had been offered to Wheelock, among them one by the Hanover settlers, then numbering twenty families. Possibly with an eye to appreciation in land values if the college were located here, they pressed for a decision in their favor and were rewarded with success. Merging its interests with Lebanon, Hanover offered Wheelock a tract of three thousand acres in addition to money, labor, lumber, and outlying lands. Rich in forests of pine, the territory had little else to commend it; as a whole it was reputed as one of the poorest offered. It was a fortunate day for the struggling settlers when Wheelock chose the town for the site of his new college.
Governor John Wentworth, with unusual modesty, set aside the proposal that the college bear his name, and proposed that it take its title from the Second Earl of Dartmouth, England, who had been an ardent friend to the new project and head of the English group of trustees. In 1770, Wheelock brought his ideal, his library, and his funds up through the wilderness to Hanover and built a single log hut, the first Dartmouth College building.
It soon became evident that Indian youth were not keen for Christian education, and the institution was gradually changed into a school for the education of white youth. In 1771 the first class was graduated, composed of four men, one of whom was the president’s son. The occasion was graced by the presence of Governor Wentworth who had a road constructed through the forest from Wolfeborough 75 miles to the east for the purpose (see Tour 13, sec. a).
The governor presented the young institution with some valuable woodlands, among them the unorganized grant in the northern part of the State still known as the Dartmouth College Grant. Among his other gifts at this time was a silver punchbowl which still graces the president’s commencement reception. In order that the president might be distinguished from other notables, he donated a large and ornate badge for him to wear at state functions. It is now presented to each president at his inauguration.
On the death of President Wheelock in 1779, his son, John Wheelock, took the presidency. Under his direction a chapel was erected in 1790, and the following year Dartmouth Hall was completed. The college prospered and by 1791 the graduating class numbered forty-nine.
During these early years village growth was concurrent with that of the college. Business, completely in the hands of President Wheelock at the beginning, gradually was undertaken by others, but was almost exclusively confined to trade and building. The prosperity of the college was reflected in the prosperity of the town, and as the college disposed of its southernmost lands to various incoming merchants, numerous business establishments were set up. By the turn of the century the village could boast of two general stores, an inn, blacksmith shop, tannery, bookstore, several tailor shops, a hatter’s, and other trade establishments. Manufacturing has never played an important part in Hanover’s economic life. During the early years, however, presumably because of the difficulties in obtaining goods from outside, several manufacturing establishments were founded, including a pottery, a weaving establishment, a mill, a tannery and several potash plants. In 1795 appeared the Hanover Gazette, one of the first newspapers in northern New Hampshire.
Dartmouth branched out into the realm of medicine in 1797 when the New Hampshire Medical Institution was established in connection with the college.
Meanwhile, the college was growing under President John Wheelock, but his leadership proved less happy in his later years, when a controversy between him and the board of trustees became a State-wide political issue which culminated in his removal in 1815. His removal did not end the controversy. In 1816, the State Legislature passed a bill changing the name of the college to Dartmouth University and named the deposed president as its head, creating a situation in which there were two educational institutions in the town instead of one. Wheelock’s successor was faced with the existence of a rival institution, a dilemma which gave rise to the famous Dartmouth College Case. In a bitterly fought contest which followed, the majority of the students remained loyal to the old college, although obliged to meet in private buildings for their classes. The case was waged first in the State and finally before the United States Supreme Court. With funds furnished by John Wheeler of Orford, a town eighteen miles north of Hanover, Daniel Webster, Dartmouth’s most famous graduate, took the case before the Supreme Court and in an impassioned plea maintained that not only was the existence of Dartmouth College as a private institution at stake, but the sanctity of every contract as well, closing the speech with the fervid statement, which has since become a slogan of Dartmouth men, ‘It is a small college, gentlemen, but there are those who love it.’ On February 2, 1819, Chief Justice John Marshall handed down a decision in favor of the college, and Webster was hailed as Dartmouth’s uncanonized saint.
With the termination of the short-lived university, which followed immediately upon the Supreme Court’s decision, the college made a fresh start. For the first time since the Revolution, it was freed from debt. The moral tone of administration in that day is evident from the fact that thirty-nine students were, at one time, fined two dollars each for attending a dancing school.
Apparently the site of the college had not met with general approval as is evidenced in a contemporary gazetteer:
Though a more central situation for the only collegiate institution in the State would be on some accounts more desirable, yet it has often been remarked, that the location of Dartmouth College is peculiarly favorable to study and the preservation of morals. Circumstances conductive to these objects in addition to establishments wisely arranged for the pursuits of literature are to be found in the salubrity of the situation, the uniform temperature of the climate and the pleasantness of the village, which is neither too populous nor too solitary.
Hanover continued to have a growth parallel to that of the college. In 1848, business here received a decided stimulus with the coming of the Central Vermont Railroad to Norwich, Vermont, just across the Connecticut River. It was a time of political tension over slavery, and a strong feeling of anti-slavery was gradually rising in the town. In 1860, the town backed Lincoln in the Presidential election. The slavery question led to the undoing of the president of the college who had been rash (or brave) enough to write several pamphlets defending it as a divine right. Popular feeling reached such height in 1863 that he was forced to resign after thirty years in office. During his term, however, the college had become two and a half times richer than when he took the presidency, its assets having increased from $85,000 to more than $200,000.
During the years from 1863 to 1877, the innovation of ‘elective’ courses was introduced into the curriculum. Stirring songs began to be written such as ‘Men of Dartmouth,’ ‘Eleazar Wheelock,’ and the ‘Hanover Winter Song,’ by Richard Hovey, ’85, which have ever since had chief places in the college repertory.
In 1866, Hanover for the second time had two colleges within its confines, but they were not rivals. In that year the State established here the New Hampshire College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts which maintained a sort of step-daughterly existence until its removal to Durham in 1893, when it was lured away from Hanover, as half a million dollars became available from a bequest to the State by Benjamin Thompson on condition that a college of agriculture be established on his farm (see DURHAM).
The ‘modern era’ of the college had its beginning in the administration of William Jewett Tucker, president from 1893 to 1909. A great builder of the institution in power, prestige, and size, he was responsible for the growth of that marked characteristic of the college, the Dartmouth spirit. Even the alumni caught it, as was evidenced by their gift, within twenty-four hours, of sufficient money to rebuild Dartmouth Hall when it burned in 1904. President Tucker was responsible for the inauguration of the world-wide institution known as ‘Dartmouth Night’ when alumni throughout the world meet in their respective sections. From 1909 to 1916 two outstanding innovations were the establishment of the Dartmouth Alumni Council, a nation-wide advisory group of Dartmouth graduates, and the starting of the Dartmouth Outing Club, the first collegiate organization of its kind.
During 167 years Dartmouth has had eleven presidents and only in the case of the last two has it broken with the tradition of a clergyman as the head of the institution.
Among Hanover’s notable sons and daughters have been James Freeman Clarke, historian, Henry F. Durant, founder of Wellesley College, Laura D. Bridgman, who, though deaf, dumb, and blind, rose to a celebrity only slightly less than that of Helen Keller, and Kate Sanborn, prolific nineteenth-century writer. Dartmouth has had a large number of graduates who have attained high rank in all lines of endeavor, too large to list in a brief sketch.
Hanover and Dartmouth College are an ideal combination of a fine New England town and a strong New England college, from whose highways and halls have gone men and influences to the ends of the world.
TOUR 1 — 3.5 m.
N. on North Main St. from Hanover Inn.
1. College Green, North Main St. (R), in the heart of Hanover, is owned by the town but controlled by the college. In the warmer seasons its well-kept greensward, shaded by magnificent elms, is a popular open-air haunt for students. Its winter aspect, when covered with snow, is one of dignity.
2. Senior Fence (R), long wooden rails on granite posts, is a conspicuous feature of the Green. These weather-worn, initial-adorned rails are the possession of the Seniors who alone can sit on them and add their knife-carved initials to the thousands already there.
3. In College Hall, North Main St. (L), one of the group of three modern brick buildings of the Georgian type along this side of North Main St., are the Commons, the eating hall for Freshmen, also general reading and lounge rooms for the student body, and a ticket office of the B. & M. R.R. The upper floors are used for dormitory purposes, while the basement is a general cafeteria.
4. Robinson Hall, North Main St. (L), is an attractive brick building, ‘devoted to the uses of student organization.’ Here undergraduate publications, musical and other groups, including the Little Theater and the Dartmouth Outing Club, find a home. The Dartmouth, college daily, was first published in 1839 and is the oldest college newspaper in America and one of the few having membership in the Associated Press.
HANOVER. POINTS OF INTEREST
1. College Green
2. Senior Fence
3. College Hall
4. Robinson Hall
5. Parkhurst Hall
6. Sanborn English House
7. Baker Memorial Library
8. Carpenter Hall
9. Amos Tuck School of Administration and Finance
10. Dick’s House
11. Dartmouth Outing Club House
12. Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital
13. College Park
14. The Church of Christ
15. Rollins Chapel
16. Webster Hall
17. Wentworth Hall
18. Dartmouth Hall
19. Bissell Hall
20. Wilson Museum
21. Gymnasium
22. Davis Field House
23. Memorial Field
24. The Austin Shops
25. Tuck Drive
5. Parkhurst Hall, North Main St. (L), erected in 1911 by Lewis Parkhurst, ’78, and his wife, as a memorial to their son, Wilder Lewis Parkhurst, ’07, is the administrative center of the college.
6. Sanborn English House, North Main St. (R), at first sight appears to be a wing of the impressive Georgian Library unit. It is, however, a separate building, the gift of Edwin Webster Sanborn, ’78, in memory of his father, Edwin David Sanborn, professor of English in the college, his mother, and his sister, the authoress, Kate Sanborn. As its name suggests, it is more than a public building, and has the air and furnishings of a home for lovers of English literature. Here is housed the Department of English.
7. Baker Memorial Library (7.45 to 10; open during college year; during vacation, guide obtainable at The Tavern), North Main St. (R), is one of the most noteworthy architectural works in the State, a structure the college owes to George Fisher Baker, New York banker, who erected it in 1926–28 as a memorial to his uncle, Fisher Ames Baker, of the class of 1859. The design of the building carries suggestions of Independence Hall in Philadelphia combined with the graceful spire characteristic of early New Hampshire churches. Designed by Jens Frederick Larsen as a Colonial Georgian brick structure, it harmonizes with the fine old group, Dartmouth Row. Within the tower a chime of 16 bells ranging from 20 pounds to 3 tons may be played either from the manual in the tower or from the console of the organ in Rollins Chapel. An automatic device rings the bells at the hours for changing classes. The white spire is surmounted by a weather-vane 6 feet high and 8½ feet long, representing President Wheelock instructing an Indian under a pine tree.
The main entrance leads into the Delivery Hall, a stately Colonial room in gray-white, set off by crimson hangings and mahogany furniture.
Left from the Delivery Hall is the Treasure Room or Hough’s Room, presented by the class of 1879 in memory of one of their members, Judge C. M. Hough of New York City. The cathedral-glass windows portray legends of the library and of the college. Among the treasures of this room are books printed before 1500; medieval books and manuscripts, illuminated by hand; the Eliot Indian Bible; the Eleazar Wheelock letters and papers; the Libbie collection of bookplates; the collection of fine printing gathered under the direction of Mr. H. G. Rugg, assistant librarian, including the Kelmscott Chaucer, the Ashendene Dante, the Doves Bible, the Vale Shakespeare, and many others; and the Curtis monographs on the American Indian, with some portfolios of superb photographs.
At the head of the western stairs is (R) the Woodward Room, a memorial to Bezaleel Woodward, first librarian of the college. Through a manuscript list it was possible to identify a number of books in the college library as having been in the original library. These are now kept in the bookcases of this room. The room itself carries out the suggestion of age: a fireplace; beside it an old drum; a flat desk on which is an open Gradus ad Parnassum (a handbook for literary composition); on the table, a Bible. The room and its furnishings carry out the spirit of Richard Hovey’s poem, ‘Eleazar Wheelock’:
‘Oh, Eleazar Wheelock was a very pious man:
He went into the wilderness to teach the Indian,
With a Gradus ad Parnassum, a Bible and a drum,
And five hundred gallons of New England rum.’
The rum has long since disappeared.
The Tower Room, occupying the central part of the second floor is the largest reading room in the building and has all the luxury and informality of the library of a city club. It is a place for pleasurable reading rather than study. In winter a fire burns continually in the large fireplace. In this room is a collection of great and famous books of many languages in fine editions.
In the basement is another large study room, on the walls of which are the Orozco Frescoes, a series of panels completed in 1934 by José Clemente Orozco, Mexican artist. In 1932 he came to Dartmouth as a teacher and remained until 1934. During this time he painted the panels covering 3000 square feet of wall space. An illustrated pamphlet ($1) giving details of the frescoes is obtainable at the delivery desk.
The striking conception, the remarkable drawing, and the brilliant coloring of the frescoes have all aroused comment both favorable and unfavorable. They are, however, typical of the freedom of expression at Dartmouth.
Starting with low brown tones in the first panel, symbolic of the early Mexican, the coloring rises to brilliant reds and greens in later panels, symbolic of higher stages of development and especially of the garishness of elements of present civilization.
The whole series centers around Quetzalcoatl, the Great White Father. Part. I, containing seven panels, portrays the coming of Quetzalcoatl. Part II, with an equal number of panels, depicts his return.
Part I: Panel 1 (left of western entrance to room), ‘Migration,’ stalwart emigrants from the North entering the Valley of Mexico. Panel 2, ‘Ancient Human Sacrifice,’ preparation of propitiatory human sacrifice to Aztec God of War, by masked priests. Panel 3, ‘Aztec Warriors,’ with tribal emblems, eagle, tiger, and plumed serpent, symbols of Quetzalcoatl. Panel 4, ‘Coming of Quetzalcoatl,’ who rises from temple pyramids of Teotihuacan, with parade of primitive gods. Foreground sleeping figures and conversing groups symbolize beginnings of understanding and co-operation. Panel 5, ‘Pre-Columbian Age,’ as seen in the industry, art, and science of the golden age of ancient America. The integrating of the ventilator in this panel is admirably done. Panel 6, ‘The Departure of Quetzalcoatl,’ evil figures suggest ominous events leading to Quetzalcoatl’s departure on a raft of serpents. Panel 7, ‘The Prophecy,’ concluding First Part, symbol of European civilization and the Spanish conquest, with columns and capitals symbolic of European architecture.
Part II. Seven panels on long wall of east wing, taking up story of post-Columbian period, do not portray actual return of Quetzalcoatl even in coming of conquering Europeans, but are a prophecy. Panel 8, ‘Cortez and the Cross,’ against a background of burning ships destroyed by himself and of a stern cross both supporting, and supported by, ascetic priest. Slain natives in foreground represent brutality of conquest. Panel 9, ‘The Machine,’ white man’s development of natural resources in both constructive and destructive aspects of industrial development. Panel 10, ‘Anglo-America,’ most serene panel, typifying coming of English in the north and Latins in the south. Panel 11, ‘Hispano-America,’ with central figure of Latin-American peasant, surrounded by figures symbolic of war, usury and treachery. Panel 12, ‘Gods of the Modern World,’ stillborn knowledge delivered from a skeleton parent, a protest against dead knowledge for its own sake. The panel’s background suggests a world aflame. Panel 13, ‘Modern Human Sacrifices,’ a protest against hypocrisy of using reverence accorded Unknown Soldier to further nationalistic and warlike ends leading to the continuation of war. Propaganda suggested by instruments, orator and microphone in upper left hand corner. Panel 14, ‘Modern Migration of the Spirit,’ a complement to first panel. Militant Christ with axe and cross, symbolic of aroused and aggressive spirituality. Junk heap symbolizes antiquated creeds and religions; release from spiritual bondage indicated in destroyed war materials.
Two small panels at east end of room symbolize trumpery of nationalism — helmets, eagles, lions, etc. Small panel over door suggests, by pile of chains and forlorn vultures pecking at them, institutional sterility and imprisonment of spirit. Central panels on south walls opposite the delivery desk, represent modern industrial man, anticipated product of return of Quetzalcoatl. Symbols of iron and steel on projecting walls indicate distinguishing characteristics of modern man, while central panel depicts intellectual labor in use of new leisure.
Several decorative panels tie up different parts of color composition. Over west end door serpent panel (introducing recurrent symbol of primitive deity) refers in bright red and luminous green to high color key of concluding panels at opposite end. On narrow projecting walls, separating delivery desk area from two wings, twin decorative panels face into wings. Pair of panels in west wing depict totem poles representing aboriginal civilization of North; panels in east wing represent machinery as predominating element in post-Columbian civilization.
8. Carpenter Hall (open weekdays 1 to 5, Sun. 2 to 6; during vacation guide obtainable at The Tavern), North Main St. (R), like Sanborn House seems to be a part of the library group, but it, too, is an institution by itself. Here in a brick building presented to Dartmouth in 1929 by Frank P. Carpenter of Manchester and admirably adapted to its purpose, is the art center of the college. In addition to its many facilities for the teaching and study of art, it has a permanent collection of modern art given by Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. (see The Arts). Loan exhibits are a special feature.
R. from N. Main St. on Tuck Mall.
9. Amos Tuck School of Administration and Finance, Tuck Mall (R), is a group of four structures built along Georgian lines, on a commanding point at the edge of the plateau above the Connecticut River. The group, presented by Edward Tuck, ’62, as a memorial to his father, the Hon. Amos Tuck of the class of 1835, embraces a central administration building flanked by two dormitories, Chase House (L) and Woodbury House (R). At the extreme left is Stell Hall, the refectory.
Retrace to N. Main St.; L. on Webster Ave.
Webster Avenue, with many fine edifices, is the main center for fraternity houses, most of them modern brick structures following the Georgian Colonial line. Fraternity life plays a large part at Dartmouth.
Retrace to and L. on N. Main St.; continue on Rope Ferry Rd.
10. Dick’s House, Rope Ferry Road (R), was the gift of Edwin K. Hall, ’92, and his wife in memory of their son Richard Drew Hall, ’27, who died in his sophomore year. The following explanation accompanied the gift:
The purpose of Dick’s House is to provide a home for the boys of Dartmouth when they are sick or ailing.
It is our hope that the boys will come to feel that ‘going up to Dick’s House’ is the next best thing to going to their own homes when they are in need of either the care or the surroundings that the dormitory or fraternity house is unable to furnish.
The House will richly serve its purpose if it is able to bring some measure of comfort to the boys of Dartmouth when they need it most, and if the boundless joy, the good cheer and the helpful spirit which filled the life of the boy whose name it bears may for all time abide and carry on within its walls.
In ‘Have Faith in Massachusetts,’ one of the volumes in the library of the house, is this autograph:
To Edwin K. Hall, in recollection of his son and my son who have the privilege by the grace of God to be boys through all eternity.
Calvin Coolidge
The President referred to his young son, Calvin, Jr., who died during his father’s incumbency.
11. Dartmouth Outing Club House, left off Rope Ferry Road, on the edge of Occom Pond, completely furnished with a large lounge, library, dining-room, and locker-room, is a popular rendezvous for hikers, skiers, and skaters. Dartmouth men emphasize outdoor life both from inclination and as a result of Hanover’s setting. Their outdoor activities center in the Outing Club, a pioneer organization of its kind among colleges, started in 1909. Faculty, students and alumni make up its membership. Its main emphasis is on winter sports, although it maintains 180 miles of hiking trails, on which are 17 cabins and 6 shelters for the benefit of hikers. The Club owns the greater part of Mt. Moosilauke, 25 miles northeast of Hanover (see Tour 14, sec. b). On that mountain alone it has 14 miles of trails, including Hell’s Highway, the steepest ski trail in New Eng land. Affiliated with tie Outing Club are the Ledyard Boat Club, Bait and Bullet, and Boot and Saddle Clubs.
The Winter Carnival, usually held in midwinter, is Dartmouth’s big event of the year, eagerly awaited by Dartmouth men and their girl friends. An invitation to the Carnival outranks one to Class Day or proms. Ice structures and sculpture occupy, and sometimes adorn, the campus and the grounds of fraternity houses. Winter sports and competitions fill the daylight hours and fraternity dances form the center of gay social programs at night. Fortunate is the girl who is chosen queen of the carnival. Hanover is the starting-point for many trails, both hiking and skiing. (Dartmouth Outing Club Handbook, 75¢, is obtainable at the Club’s headquarters in Robinson Hall, N. Main St.)
Retrace to and R. on Rope Ferry Road; L. on Maynard St.
12. Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital, Maynard St. (L), is a large modern plant, finely housed and staffed, providing medical and surgical facilities of metropolitan standard for Hanover and for a large section of northern New England.
L. from Maynard St. on College St.
13. College Park, College St. (L), a large well-wooded tract, contains on its Summit the granite Bartlett Tower (1895), a fine observation point over the surrounding country. Here on Class Day the seniors smoke the ‘pipe of peace,’ and keep unbroken a century-old tradition. The Shattuck Observatory, built in 1854 and named for Dr. George C. Shattuck, through whose efforts funds for the building were raised; and the Medical Building (1811), housing the Dartmouth Medical School, the fourth oldest in the country, which provides a two-year course but does not grant degrees, are both in College Park.
14. The Church of Christ, College St. (R), a successor to an edifice which formerly stood on Wentworth St., is a noteworthy version of early New England architecture, built in 1935 from designs by Hobart Upjohn.
15. Rollins Chapel, College St. (L), a gift of Edwin A. Rollins, ’51, was erected in 1855 and is the only granite building on the campus. Its arched roof and rounded stone arches give it an appropriate air of reverence.
16. Webster Hall, College St. (R), a brick structure, built in 1907 by the gifts from the alumni, is an auditorium seating 1500, and a portrait gallery, part of which is the finest existing collection of Daniel Webster portraits.
Dartmouth Row, with its stately white structures on the hill, is a group standing by itself with dignity and aloofness from its more modern companions of the campus. This was Dartmouth College until 1845. About this group cling memories of an infant college striving to make a place for itself in this northern section of New England, and trying to justify the motto selected by President Wheelock, Vox clamantis in deserto, ‘the voice of one crying in the wilderness.’ The buildings are used for classes and faculty offices.
17. Wentworth Hall, College St. (L), was built in 1829 and carries on the name of Governor John Wentworth, friend and benefactor of the college in the days of its founding.
18. Dartmouth Hall, College St. (L), is a successor and replica of the original wooden structure, 150 feet by 50, three stories high, built in 1791. Burned in 1904, it was reconstructed on its original lines but the interior was again gutted by fire in 1935. It was then restored with fireproof construction. Colonial Georgian in design, the building has a well-balanced composition with a central pedimented bay, surmounted by a square tower with an open belfry.
19. Bissell Hall, corner of College and E. Wheelock St. (R), originally built as a gymnasium in 1866 by its donor, George H. Bissell, ’45, now houses the Thayer School of Civil Engineering.
L. from College St. on E. Wheelock St.
20. Wilson Museum (open 9–12 and 1–4 Mon. to Fri., 9–12 on Sat.; during vacation guide obtainable at The Tavern), E. Wheelock St. (R), erected in 1851 through a bequest from George F. Wilson of Providence, Rhode Island, was formerly the college library, but it now contains a small Museum of Natural History.
21. The Gymnasium, E. Wheelock St. (R), an imposing brick structure, is the gift of the Alumni and was completed in 1910. The huge size of the Gymnasium makes possible an indoor regulation-size baseball field, a basket-ball court with accommodations for 3000 spectators and other athletic facilities.
22. Davis Field House, adjoining the Gymnasium (R), is the gift of Howard Clark Davis, ’06. It is an attractive Colonial brick structure.
23. Memorial Field, behind the Gymnasium, was added to the general athletic plant in 1923 to honor 112 graduates who died in the World War. It has grandstand and bleacher accommodations for 22,000 spectators of the baseball and football games played here.
R. on E. Wheelock St.; R. on S. Park St.; L. on Austin Ave.
24. The Austin Shops (visitors welcome), Austin Ave. (R), housed in a small one-story wooden structure, represent an unusual industry of scientific interest developed by Professor F. E. Austin. Here are built little wooden houses, palaces, igloos, mines, etc., with glass sides, that give an opportunity to watch the life and activities of ants. The queen ant rules in dignity, the nurse ants take care of the eggs, the workers give their instruction to the ‘sluggard.’ This enterprise provides work for many people outside the shops, who help in building the houses and collecting the ants.
TOUR 2 — 1.5 m.
N. from the Inn on N. Main St.; L. on Tuck Mall.
25. Tuck Drive (R), from Tuck Mall, is a short but delightful road winding through the pines to the banks of the Connecticut River and Ledyard Bridge. John Ledyard, whose name is given to the bridge, is Dartmouth’s patron saint of the great outdoors. Ledyard had no interest in getting a sheepskin from Dartmouth. Less than two years sufficed to satisfy his yearning for President Wheelock’s cultural program. At an all-night session with himself in the midwinter of 1773 on the snow-covered Velvet Rocks of Balch Hill, three miles northeast of Hanover, he decided to listen to the call of the open and leave college. It probably was no surprise to the president, for that gentleman had already had a display of the wildness of the youth when he proposed such an unheard-of use of leisure time for students as ‘stepping the minuet.’
Selecting a towering pine growing on the bank, just north of the present bridge, Ledyard secretly hewed out a dugout canoe, 50 feet long and 3 feet wide, and with some dried venison, an Ovid and a Greek Testament, he pushed out into the Connecticut River bound for a larger and less restricted world. Ledyard’s passion for wandering led him, a few years later, to sail with Captain Cook on his third voyage; and still later to attempt, at the request of Thomas Jefferson, an exploration of the American Northwest via Siberia. He died in Egypt.
The present bridge, a low steel structure, replaced a fine old covered one built in 1859; the first bridge across the river here was erected in 1796.