This quote was taken from that little maroon book issued to all freshman, the Tech Bible. With the revival of the goat's head tradition, WPI's heritage has become increasingly important. This article is the first in a series which will relate much of the history and tradition of WPI. Each issue will focus on an aspect of WPI's history or tradition. If anyone has any questions or suggestions, inquiries may be made to Newspeak. At the end of the series, a contest will be held to see who knows the most about WPI history and tradition. So for all of you who have transferred here or missed out on receiving your own copy of the Tech Bible, this additional installment of the paper is for you!
Many people know that the founders of our school are John Boynton and Ichabod Washburn; but how many know how these two men from different worlds came together to consolidate their ideals in order to establish this fine institute that we attend?
It all started with the visions of a self-made tin manufacturer who although wealthy, was never really accepted by society for his lack of education (Boynton) and the owner of the world's largest wire mill (Washburn). Add a quest for a science schooling designed to elevate the social position of a mechanics and manufacturers and a wish to foster technical skills through an apprenticeship approach, and what you get is an education deeply rooted in theory, practiced through applications or a project based education. Sound familiar?!? Thanks to the pastor Seth Sweetser, a confident to both Washburn and David Whitcomb (Boyton's cousin), differences in the proposed schools were ironed out and mention was made to significant men in the Worcester community to begin work on this endeavor.
Upon agreement of the legislation proposed by Sweetser and addressed to Governor Emory Washburn, Stephen Salisbury II (a respected businessman), and state senator George Frisbie Hoar, an anonymous request was then posted in the Worcester Palladium for help from the public in establishing a scientific school in Worcester. A gentleman (Boynton) proposed to offer a fund of $100,000 towards this endowment if the community would agree to furnish the necessary land and buildings needed. The people responded with more than 225 of Worcester's citizens and 20 of the city's factories contributing to the construction of the original building. The official day that the institute was recorded as a legal corporation by House and State approval of the commonwealth was May 10th, 1865. In recognition for all of their efforts, John Boynton named David Whitcomb, Ichabod Washburn, Seth Sweetser and Emory Washburn to the board, and Stephen Salisbury was elected as president. Unfortunately, neither John Boynton nor Ichabod Washburn lived to see the opening of Worcester County Free Institute of Industrial Science on November 11th, 1868.
From the very beginning, WPI worked closely with the community that helped to establish this institution. Today, the WPI campus extends as far as its project centers in different countries across the globe. Show your pride in your school by partaking in the many clubs, activities, and events that WPI offers! Our campus offers many unique opportunities, so show some spirit by taking advantage of them! Participation is how memories are made!
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