In 1834, Jason Lee and fellow missionaries came to the Oregon territory to establish a Methodist mission for Kalapuya Indians living in the Willamette Valley. By the early 1840s, the mission was failing, thus the educational focus for the school turned to white settlers. On February 1, 1842, Lee, fellow missionaries, and members of the growing Salem community decided to establish an institution of learning called the "Oregon Institute." The Institute's constitution was adopted in March 1842, and the first day of class was held on August 13, 1844. The Institute began as a boarding school to educate young students. Chloe Clark Willson, an early member of the missionary group was the first teacher.
In 1853, focus changed to an older set of students and the name was officially changed to Willamette University. Emily York was the first graduate of the University in 1859. By that time, enrollment had reached 320 students and a new building was needed to house a growing student population. Thus began the construction of Waller hall, made possible by the support of Reverend Alvan Waller. In addition to the College of Liberal Arts, Willamette University established a medical school in 1867, the College of Law in 1883, the Kimball School of Theology in 1906, the Atkinson Graduate School of Management in 1974, and the Graduate School of Education in 1995. The Medical School merged with the University of Oregon in 1913, the Kimball School closed in 1930, and the Graduate School of Education closed in 2014.
Willamette continues as a nationally renowned, private liberal arts university focused on pursuing academic excellence; fostering diversity; and preparing global-minded students.
This collection is open to researchers.
Library acts as "fair use" reproduction agent.
For further information, see the section on copyright in the Regulations and Procedures of the Willamette University Archives and Special Collections.
Copyright Information: Before material from collections at Willamette University Archives and Special Collections may be quoted in print, or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part, in any publication, permission must be obtained from (1) the owner of the physical property, and (2) the holder of the copyright. It is the particular responsibility of the researcher to obtain both sets of permission. Persons wishing to quote from materials in any collections held by University Archives and Special Collections should consult the University Archivist. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original.
Items in this collection have been compiled by Archives and Special Collections through donations from students, alumni, faculty, staff, and transfers from within the University. Where possible, the identity of the donor is specified for the item or groups of items.
[Identification of item], Willamette University Memorabilia collection, Archives and Special Collections, Mark O. Hatfield Library, Willamette University.
The Willamette University Memorabilia collection includes a variety of items collected over the course of the university's history. These include lettermen sweaters and jackets; sports uniforms; artifacts from buildings such as bricks and plaques; glassware; commemorative medals and coins; freshman beanies; the first Blitz mascot costume; and a variety of other objects.
Tassle of William John Randall of Cottage Grove. Donated by Jean Coldwell, niece of William Randall.
Robe warn by Professor James A. Hand (Religion), and given to him by Robert M. Gatke (who also wore it), and probably given to him by Dr. Everett S. Hammond one of the earliest professors of the College of Theology.
Accessories warn by Professor James A. Hand (Religion), and given to him by Robert M. Gatke (who may also have wore it), and possibly given to him by Dr. Everett S. Hammond one of the earliest professors of the College of Theology.
Marian Pope was Class of 1936 and married Karl Kahl. The gold and red emblem on the leather bag depicts a large Bearcat looming over Waller Hall. The bag contains an expense ledger and a university catalog for the 1932-1933 school year. The expense ledger is for the first semester of 1932. She resided in Lausanne Hall room 49 that year.
Carried by Dr. Fredrick Roscoe Bowersox, 1899. Graduate of Willamette University Medical School. Contains glass vials.
Donated by John Maxwell Bowersox (son) and Mary Bowersox Cobb (daughter) on May 18, 1969.
Carried by Dr. Fredrick Roscoe Bowersox, 1899. Graduate of Willamette University Medical School.
Donated by John Maxwell Bowersox (son) and Mary Bowersox Cobb (daughter) on May 18, 1969.
John and Terrie Markoskie donated a cardinal blanket with gold trim (also a gold "W" with green and gold stars), John's letterman sweater with three gold bars on the left sleeve (he lettered three times), a Willamette Univeristy Life Time Pass dated June 1, 1956, and a John Lewis Night ticket for a game against Pacific University on March 2, 1957.
Two in the collection. Bronze coin. One in small plastic box and one in a paper box.
Gold commerative coins with Waller on one side and the Willamette seal on the other. In plastic cover.
A gold buisness card sized paper with red writing, detailing the benefits the card provides.
Coin sized paper prints of the Willamette Seal in red ink, two sided, with red cord hanger.
Tin print including Waller Hall.
Small paper penants and very small penants donated by John Weber.
'The Two Hundred Club' on the penants
Package includes 6 imprinted tees (Bearcats) in yellow and red, 2 ball markers, 1 divot fixer.
Three wooden stamps.
Commemorative paper weight for the 50th anniversary of the College of Law.
Red leather with gold lettering 'Willamette University'. Something from a library collection.
Three different square letter openers.
Note on back 'Waller Hall, Willamette University, D. Nunn 1972'.
Located in the Gallery.
Punches out tiny holes in paper that read 'LIBRARY WILLAMETTE UNIVERSITY'.
Cummings' No. 15, Cummins Perforator Co.. In business circa 1911-1964.
Has an attached sale sticker reading 25 cents.
Red background, gold lettering. 29" long.
Includes both bowl and lid.
Has the initals MPL engraved on the side.
Various small metal animals (frog, turtle, phesant, fish, duck) with a spike in the bottom and a hole in the top going about half way through.
All contained within a paper cup.
Flower on lid, 'hand chased' and '3389' on the bottom.
Flower on lid, 'hand chased' and '3383' on the bottom.
Flower on lid, 'hand chased' and '3389' on the bottom.
Flower on lid, 'hand chased' and '3389' on the bottom.
Lid is seperate from the body.
In a patterned green fabric box.
From the President's Residence.