1915

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1915 in Clemson History

The Class of 1915

Class Gift

The Class Gift of the Class of 1915 was the Amphitheatre.

1915 in Clemson History

Events that occurred in 1915:

  • The Sheep Barn is erected. As of 2010, it is the oldest agricultural building associated with the land-grant university still extant.
  • Textile Hall, a large facility located at 322 W. Washington Street, Greenville, South Carolina, a large brick structure accommodating 5,000, hosts the first biennial Southern Textile Exposition, the only national institution of the kind. Exhibits include products, machinery, and tools of the textile and allied industries. The building was razed in the 1990s.
  • January: Construction begins on the YMCA Building.
  • February 8: Filmmaker D.W. Griffith's polarizing silent film "The Birth of a Nation" debuts in Los Angeles, California.
  • May 7: The British Cunard passenger liner RMS Lusitania is sunk off of Ireland by U-boat, U-20, inflaming world opinion against Germany.
  • May 15: P. H. E. Sloan, Secretary and Treasurer Emeritus of Clemson Agricultural College, dies this date. "The following was unanimously adopted at the annual meeting of the Alumni Association in June.
Whereas, Dr. P. H. E. Sloan was honorably connected with Clemson College from its earliest days and always rendered most faithful and efficient service, and
Whereas, he was always a warm friend of all the students, unflagging in his devotion to their welfare, and opening his loyal heart and his hospitable home to them his warm personal friends,
Therefore, Be it resolved - First, That the Alumni Association collectively and individually do now express their heartfelt sorrow in his death, which has deprived us and all interests of the College of a most loyal supporter and benefactor.
Second, That a copy of these resolutions be sent his bereaved family that they may know of our deep regret over his death, and our sincere sympathy with them in their bereavement.
A. B. Bryan, '98,
W. S. Beaty, '05,
J. C. Littlejohn, '08."
(The Tiger, "Resolution", Tuesday 28 September 1915, Volume XI, Number 2, page 2.)
  • June: "At the annual meeting of the Alumni Association in June, the Tiger was unanimously made the official organ of the Alumni Association. We want every old Clemson man to keep in touch with the college and know what is being done. Subscribe to the Tiger and you will know all the news around the college. We need your help, without it, the paper can not be made what it should be." (The Tiger, 21 September 1915, Volume XI, Number 1, page 2.)
  • August 29: Future Clemson basketball coach Petar Press Maravich is born in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania.
  • September: The Southern Railway introduces the slogan "The Southern Serves The South" in timetables issued this month, which will be used until the railroad is merged out of existence on June 1, 1982.
  • September 12: "Under the auspices of the Y. M. C. A., Dr. D. W. Daniel, our efficient English professor who has for the previous three months lectured with a chatauqua, gave last Sunday night one of his interesting and beneficial lectures on 'The Measure of a Man.' About four hundred cadets and visitors gathered in the college chapel and for thirty minutes gave their undivided attention to the speaker. Dr. Daniel spoke of the many kinds of standards of measurement used in scientific work today, the fraud exhibited when these are copied from, and the failure on the part of manufacturers to make proper instruments of measurements. He said that 'the body is not the measure of a man, tho every man should strive to be physically strong, as the creator intended. Clemson men often put the measure of their manhood on the wrong things. Often they are led away by those of high and fast society, which in many cases leads to dissipation and ruin. Dissipation for one night is momentary pleasure, but in the end it is a disgrace. Examine all shame resultant from such a course of conduct and do not be led astray by those who are pretended friends,' he said, in part. Further, Dr. Daniel stated that 'Man can not be measured by his money. The one in bankruptcy who kills himself to shun his debts is not a man. The rich Dives who eats and drinks to his heart's content without feeding his neighbor's starving children can not be called great. Man is measured by his character, the result of habit - that which money can not buy, society can not confer upon one, and ancestors can not hand down. Character should be formed when one is young. It is not advisable to take any man as a model, but look to the life of Christ, who died to save a wicked world, as the one whom all men should have for a model.'" (The Tiger, "Grand Lecture By Dr. Daniel", 21 September 1915, Volume XI, Number 1, page 1.)
  • September 14: New students arrive on campus. "All day and until mid-night last Tuesday, members of the senior class were busy helping to welcome new men to clemson [sic]. A committee was appointed to meet all trains to give directions as to hacks, trunk checks, etc. In front of the main building these newcomers were met by another squad of seniors who helped them in every possible way with their matriculation and showed them to their respective halls in barracks, where they were turned over to the members of another committee and were shown to their rooms. Members of the senior class were glad of this opportunity to extend a hearty welcome to the new men." (The Tiger, "New Students Royally Received - New Students Arrive - Received Royal Reception at the Hands of Senior Class", 21 September 1915, Volume XI, Number 1, page 1.)
  • September 16: Football Coach Bob Williams returns to campus and the football practice season gets underway. (The Tiger, "Football Practice Starts in Earnest", 21 September 1915, Volume XI, Number 1, page 1.)
  • September 18: College Night is held to welcome new students and acquaint them with the various phases of college activity. Y. M. C. A. authorities arrange the event, held at 8 p.m. and presided over by Cadet D. F. Folger, president of the Y. M. C. A. (The Tiger, "College Night", 21 September 1915, Volume XI, Number 1, page 2.)
  • September 19: Dr. E. M. Poteat, president of Furman University, "delivered on Sunday night to the cadets and visitors a most pleasing speech. He spoke very favorably of the revival that is now being conducted here, remarking that it is his earnest desire and prayer that much good will be the result." (The Tiger, "Dr. E. M. Poteat Lectures Here", 21 September 1915, Volume XI, Number 1, page 1.)
  • September 20: "For ten days, beginning Monday, Sept. 20, a protracted meeting will be in progress at Clemson. The pastors of the four churches are working together to make this the greatest revival ever held on our campus. These good men have secured the services of Dr. E. K. Hardin, of Washington, D. C., to do the preaching. Dr. Hardin is a naitve [sic] South Carolinian, having graduated at Wofford some years ago. While in college, Dr. Hardin won a S. C. I. A. A. medal, and his preaching is not at all the kind that puts you to sleep. He has had great success preaching to college men and will give you something to think about if you will only hear him. Come, lets go to preaching at the Methodist church every afternoon and again in Chapel every evening." (The Tiger, "Union Meeting Now On", 21 September 1915, Volume Xi, Number 1, page 1.)
  • September 21: Mrs. Corrie B. Freeman, wife of Mr. Benjamin Freeman of the chemical department, dies. An eight-year resident of the community, she is laid to rest in the Old Stone Church cemetery. (The Tiger, "Death of Mrs. Freeman", Tuesday 28 September 1915, Volume XI, Number 2, page 2.)
  • September 22: "The Clemson Branch of the A. I. E. E. held its first meeting of this college year in Prof. Dargan's class room last Wednesday morning. The meeting was called to order by Prof. Dargan, who distributed copies of the constitution to the members. The following officers were then elected: D. H. Banks, Chairman. W. H. Neil, Secretary. D. F. Folger, Treasurer. C. S. Anderson, Prof. Dargan, and H. L. Suggs, Executive Committee. W. H. Dicks, and Prof. Rhodes, Publication Committee. After the election of officers, Prof. Rhodes gave a short talk on the origin and development of the college branches of the A. I. E. E. There being no furtser [sic] business the meeting adjourned." (The Tiger, "A. I. E. E. Meets'", Tuesday 28 September 1915, Volume XI, Number 2, page 4.)
  • September 25: Clemson crushes Furman in Greenville, 94-0.
  • September 27: First regular drill under arms, 12:10 p.m.-1:05 p.m. Preaching at Methodist Church at 4:30 p.m. and in Chapel at 7:30 p.m. (The Tiger, "Weekly Calendar'", Tuesday 28 September 1915, Volume XI, Number 2, page 2.)
  • September 28: First meeting of Agricultural Society in Palmetto Literary Society Hall at 7:35 p.m. Football practice held. (The Tiger, "Weekly Calendar'", Tuesday 28 September 1915, Volume XI, Number 2, page 2.)
  • September 29: Drill held. Football practice held. (The Tiger, "Weekly Calendar'", Tuesday 28 September 1915, Volume XI, Number 2, page 2.)
  • September 30: Freshmen elect class officers. Football practice held. (The Tiger, "Weekly Calendar'", Tuesday 28 September 1915, Volume XI, Number 2, page 2.)
  • October 1: Drill held. Palmetto, Calhoun, Columbian, Wade Hampton, Hayne and Carolina Literary Societies meet at 7:35 p.m. Football practice (light) held. (The Tiger, "Weekly Calendar'", Tuesday 28 September 1915, Volume XI, Number 2, page 2.)
  • October 2: The Gala Day. (The Tiger, "Weekly Calendar", Tuesday 28 September 1915, Volume XI, Number 2, page 2.) Riggs Field is dedicated prior to the football game with Davidson College. A parade to the field forms in front of the main building at 3 p.m. led, in this order, by the Cadet Band, speakers, Athletic Council, Alumni, faculty, and the Corps of Cadets. "Upon entering Riggs Field, the body took a 'C' formation and poured forth a thrilling volume of patriotic Tiger yells and songs." (The Tiger, 5 October 1915, Volume XI, Number 3, page 1.) Presentation of the field to the Corps of Cadets by Dr. Walter Merritt Riggs follows. Prof. J. W. Gantt, President of the Athletic Association, introduces Dr. Riggs as "the man who has done more for the athletics at Clemson and probably more for Southern athletics than any other man." "In presentig [sic] the field to the corps of cadets, Dr. Riggs said in part; 'This magnificent field is a token of recognition by the Trustees of Clemson College of the importance of military and athletic training for the cadets. It is to be a place for the teaching of the principles of team work and fair play. On the crest of the hill stands the main Building which represents the intellectual side of life. In the immediate fore-ground we see the Textile Building. Here the brain and hand are trained to work together. Just to our left is the magnificent new Y. M. C. A. Building, standing for the development of spirit, mind, and body. In the immediate vicinity back of us are the churches, which are agents in the influencing of our spiritual natures. This large and beautiful athletic field is to stand for the development of the physical man, and, whether in real work or in play it is hoped that this field will be used as an agency in the developing of high and honorable men.'" (The Tiger, 5 October 1915, page 1.) Prof. Gantt introduces Mr. H. C. Tillman, Class of 1903 and President of the Clemson Alumni Association, who then christens the new playing field. States Tillman, "Students who have been and are to be, no matter how much we love other things, we love our athletic field best. Therefore, this field should be named for him who has done most for our athletics. Dr. Riggs is not only the father of athletics at Clemson but has coached our teams. It is not alone for gratitude, but for a sense of love and esteem that we name this field. May it bring victory to the Tigers' lair, and may it be represented by the honor and spirit Dr. Riggs has always shown. In the name of all students and lovers of Clemson, I christen this Field Riggs Field." A few minutes later, Dr. Riggs makes the initial kick-off in the first football game to be played on the new field. Clemson and Davidson play to a 6-6 tie. Informal dance given by the Thalian Club in the gymnasium, in honor of the Davidson football team, 9 p.m.-11:45 p.m. (The Tiger, "Weekly Calendar'", Tuesday 28 September 1915, Volume XI, Number 2, page 2.) (The Tiger, "Thalian Club Gives Informal'", Tuesday 5 October 1915, Volume XI, Number 3, page 1.)
  • October 3: Sunday School in Chapel at 10 a.m.; Baptist Church-Sunday School at 10:20 a.m.; Methodist Church-Sunday School at 10:15 a.m., preaching at 11:30 a.m.; Presbyterian Church-Sunday School at 10:15 a.m., preaching at 11:30 a.m.; Episcopal Church-preaching at 11:30 a.m.; B. Y. P. U. meets at 3:30 p.m. (The Tiger, "Weekly Calendar", Tuesday 28 September 1915, Volume XI, Number 2, page 2.)
  • October 5: The Clemson Agricultural Society holds its first regular meeting of the fall term in the Palmetto Society hall on Tuesday night. (The Tiger, "Agricultural Society", Tuesday 12 October 1915, Volume XI, Number 4, page 3.)
  • October 9: The Tigers eke out a 3-0 win over Tennessee in Knoxville, the Volunteers' first loss since 1913. "When the result of the last quarter of the game was announced in the mess hall the reaction was, chemically speaking, of explosive violence. Everybody whooped, danced, yelled, shook hands, slapped backs, screamed, and whistled, and did everything else that wasn't bad. Even Major Carwile lost his dignity and cut loose - the most striking illustration imaginable. After some minutes of this procedure, Dr. Riggs came down and, by the aid of a bugler, got things quiet long enough to say that a bonfire might be included in the celebration. No sooner had he gone than the companies were marched out (went out) and the fire started in earnest. Barrels, boxes, sticks, planks, and anything that would answer the purpose was carried and thrown on the pile on Bowman field. Boys (and some faculty members) were coming and going from this pile like ants running errands from their mound until everything available was in place. Then a couple of youths climbed to the top and emtied ten gallons of kerosene. Next a match, and the flames were soon lapping and flapping high into the night, to the ripping, tearing music of the band. The crowd grew even more hilarious when the 'big ring' was formed and the organized singing, yelling, and night shirt parading was started. Not until long roll at ten o'clock were the flames left to die alone." (The Tiger, "Cadets Celebrate Tennessee Victory", Tuesday 12 October 1915, Volume XI, Number 4, page 2.)
  • October 10: "Sunday afternoon the senior class met the team at Calhoun, put them in hacks, and pulled them to the edge of the campus, where they were met by the remainder of the corps, including the band. Here the underclassmen relieved the seniors of the hacks, and the 'fuss proper' began. A large part of the faculty turned out to yell and to watch the boys carry the team into barracks on their shoulders." (The Tiger, "Cadets Celebrate Tennessee Victory", Tuesday 12 October 1915, Volume XI, Number 4, page 2.)
  • October 11: "Dr. Riggs stated in chapel yesterday that the recent demonstration showed more college spirit than had been exhibited here in more than seven years. Owing to the fact that it was Sunday, the boys refrained from raising too much racket at the station and from using some of the most thrilling yells. Under ordinary circumstances, the entire corps would have been at the station." (The Tiger, "Cadets Celebrate Tennessee Victory", Tuesday 12 October 1915, Volume XI, Number 4, page 2.)
  • October 12-October 14: The Centennial Celebration of the Pendleton Farmers' Society is held, with events the first two days in Pendleton and on the third at Clemson College. (The Tiger, "Pendleton Farmers' Society", Tuesday 28 September 1915, Volume XI, Number 2.)
  • October 16: Clemson plays Alabama Polytechnic College (later Auburn) in Anderson, South Carolina, but loses, 0-14.
  • October 28: The University of South Carolina employs "ringers" (ineligible players) in its first three football games, winning handily. An investigation uncovers the ruse before the Clemson-Carolina match, and the fakes are banished from the Gamecock squad. The two opponents battle to the first 0-0 tie in series history.
  • October 30: Capt. C. H. Cary of the aviation reserve corps flies to Clemson from Anderson to do an exhibition as part of a tour. "He was scheduled to arrive at 4:45 P. M., and give an exhibition on Bowman field. At the appointed time quite a large crowd had gathered; but as is usual in such cases, the aviator did not arrive on time. About five o'clock he was sighted in the direction of Pendleton, but instead of coming straight to Clemson, he headed toward Central. He discovered his mistake however, and came back, arriving over Bowman field about 5:15 P. M. He circled gracefully around over the field several times, but chose to land on Riggs' Field. He came very near having an accident on account of the fact that he did not see the steel goal posts on the north end of Riggs field and only missed hitting them by a few feet. As soon has he had alighted the crowd gathered closely around and gave the machine a pretty close examination. It was a Curtiss Bi-plane, and carried an eight cylinder, one hundred horse-power motor. Captain Cary announced that it was too dark to give an exhibition before Sunday morning, and ten o'clock was set as the time." (The Tiger, "Aviator Visits Us Saturday", Tuesday 2 November 1915, Volume XI, Number 7, page 1.)
  • October 31: Clemson does not get to see a flying exhibition by aviation reserve corps pilot Captain C. H. Cary. "At the appointed time an even larger crowd was back to see the exhibition. But again they were disappointed, for after getting up into the air, the motor stopped, and Capt. Cary had to land in the large river bottoms below the college. It was something like an hour before he could again get into the air, and in the meantime the crowd had dispersed and gone to preaching. The aviator flew back over the college, but seeing that the crowd had gone, he headed for Anderson without landing." The Tiger, "Aviator Visits Us Saturday", Tuesday 2 November 1915, Volume XI, Number 7, page 1.)
  • November 6: In a game played in Greenville, Clemson loses to North Carolina, 7-9.
  • November 13: Clemson meets VMI in Broad Street Park in Richmond, Virginia, and loses, 3-6.
  • November 25: The Tigers conclude a 2-4-2 season by losing to Georgia, 0-13, in Athens on Thanksgiving Day. Permits for leave from campus are granted from 7 a.m. on November 25 until 1 p.m. November 26 for the Athens trip. (The Tiger, "About The Athens Trip", 20 November 1915, Volume XI, Number 10, page 2.)
  • December 5: "The Clemson College Prohibition Society was organized last Sunday night just after supper in the Y. M. C. A. Hall. The object of this society is to encourage the carrying out of the prohibition laws in South Carolina. At the time of organization only about thirty members were present, but it is hoped that many others will ally themselves with this society in the near future. The membership dues are very light. Classes in the study of the liquor problem will probably be organized soon after the Christmas holidays. The officers elected for the coming year were:
President - P. L. McCall
Vice-President - A. B. Carwile
Treasurer - D. R. Wallace
Secretary - S. C. Stribling
Those desiring to join this society are requested to give their names to the secretary." (The Tiger, "Prohibition Society Organized", Wednesday 8 December 1915, Volume XI, Number 12, page 4.)



1914 The 1910's 1916