"The Other Swedes"
~ Celebrating Them ~
~ The Smoky Valley Writers ~
Dr. Leon G. Lungstrom's
"Bethany College History Concerning the Natural Sciences and Mathematics"
chapter transcription
pages 1-22
[Red font will change to black eventually.]
~ Celebrating Them ~
~ The Smoky Valley Writers ~
Dr. Leon G. Lungstrom's
"Bethany College History Concerning the Natural Sciences and Mathematics"
chapter transcription
pages 1-22
[Red font will change to black eventually.]
Following are the words on some of the foundational history of Bethany College by former Biology Professor Dr. Leon George Lungstrom (1915-2000) from his 1990 book, "History of Natural Science and Mathematics at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas" published in 1990. This is the first chapter titled:
"Bethany College History Concerning the Natural Sciences and Mathematics"
"Bethany College was thought of as a possibility almost as early as the founding of colonies in the Smoky Hill River Valley of Central Kansas. Bethany College represents the educational ideals of the Swedish Lutheran pioneers who settled in scattered localities in Kansas during the late 1860s in 1870s. From the land of their ancestors, they carried with them an appreciation of better things of life and a desire to provide their descendants with educational opportunities which had been denied them.
"An institution of higher learning was a moot question among the Swedish colonists living in McPherson and Saline Counties early in the history of pioneer settlement. It was not until 1879 that there was a realization of the dream of founding an educational institution upon the plains of Central Kansas. The first step toward this hope was taken by the Swedish Lutheran Church of Lindsborg at its annual business meeting in December of that year (1879) when the congregation voted to plat and sell a portion of a track of land deeded to it by the Union Pacific Railroad for church and school purposes. A decision was made that one-half of the proceeds from this sale should constitute the nucleus of an endowment fund for an institution of higher learning. The plan was allowed to germinate for two years. Carl Swensson was elected as pastor in 1878 and was installed July 1879. By the summer of 1881 he announced his intentions of opening a new school. J. A. Udden, a recent graduate of Augustana College, was employed as a new teacher. No building for school purposes was available at the time, so Bethany Church placed its sacristy at the disposal of the new school for this undertaking. October 15, 1881 was decided upon for the opening day of school. Not a single student put in an appearance during the first day, although it had been widely announced in the area. It has been reported by Prof. E. O. Deere that this may not be true. A man at a later date told Dr. Deere that his father brought him and four other students, who enrolled on the first day of school. This could have been due to a mix up on dates. Later the students came until a total of 27 enrolled for the this first academic year. Except for Biblical material taught by Pastor Carl Swensson, all of the class subjects were taught by Udden during the first year of school. Although well backed by moral support of the people within the community, the entire financial responsibility for the school rested on Swensson alone. During the spring of 1882 he purchased a public school building from the local school district and had it moved to a track of land donated for this purpose. It was renovated as needed for the new school, and dedicated on October 4, 1882. This structure became known as the Bethany Academy building. During its occupancy on the Bethany campus, it stood in two separate locations, first where Presser Hall now stands, and later north of the Pihlblad Memorial Student Union Building. The latter location is well illustrated in an aerial photograph of the campus displayed in the 1965 Bethanian. Its final move was to the McPherson County Old Mill Museum, where it is presently displayed in the Heritage Complex. The bell tower and the front vestibule were removed many years ago.
"The purpose of the school was declared to be for training teachers for public and parochial schools and to furnish a fundamental education to young men who had the ministry in mind as a life calling. The need for competent teachers in the rural schools as well as schools conducted by the church was imperative at that time, and especially so in central and western Kansas. This was a period of time before every little community had a high school.
"At a meeting of the Smoky Hill District of the Kansas Conference of the Augustana Synod held in Marian Hill on July 1, 1882, this body made itself sponsor for the infant undertaking, gave it the name Bethany Academy and elected a board of eight members to exercise supervision over the institution. The board consisted of Rev. Carl Swensson, Lindsborg, president of the board; Rev. A. W. Dahlsten, Salemsborg, secretary; John A. Swenson, Lindsborg, treasurer; Rev. P. M. Sannquist, New Gottland; John Thorstenberg, Assaria; A. Lincoln, Lindsborg; C. J. Stromquist, Free Mount [Freemout]; and Rev. J. Seleen, Smoky Hill.
"The Institution received its first charter during September, 1882, in which it was called Bethany Academy. The renovated Academy Building was dedicated October 4, and the second year of school began the following day. Edward Nelander was elected president of the faculty and continued as president until his retirement in the spring of 1889, after which Rev. Carl A. Swensson assumed the position and thereby became president of both the school and the board. The faculty during the second year had been increased to a total of five. They were Johan A. Udden, Edward Nelander, C.G. Norman, J. Hasselquist and John T. Anderson.
"The enrollment during the second year reached a total of 92, with 32 in the subclass, 48 in the first class and 12 in the second class. John Eric Welin, who later served as a Bethany faculty member [was third museum curator], started his study in the Academy this term.
"Bethany's period of expansion began the following year (1983-1984). A two-story brick structure was built for a dormitory, and it housed male students until 1886, when it was converted into a ladies' residence. It was later enlarged and became known as Lane Hart Hall and continued serving as a ladies' dormitory for many years. It was finally demolished after newer, more modern structures were built to house the students.
"During March 1884 in a meeting at Mariadahl, Kansas, control of the school was transferred from the Smoky Hill District to the Kansas Conference of the Augustana Synod. By this change the government of the Bethany Academy was extended beyond local control.
"The need for development and training teachers for the parochial and public schools was now fully appreciated, and arrangements to satisfy this want were immediately undertaken. Pedagogical subjects were given a special prominence, with a course change to four years. The classical course which had prevailed was retained and required three years for its completion, and for a period of time occupied second place.
"In the founding of Bethany College, the fathers had in mind an institution whose sole purpose was not to impart instruction in the secular subjects. These men were deeply religious and were moved by the conviction that Christianity was the only safe foundation upon which to build education and character. They sought not only to impart theoretical instruction in the Biblical and kindred subjects, but above all to infuse the spirit of Christ into the life of the school. In the subsequent development of the work, this has always been held as a fundamental principle.
"While believing in American ideals and conscious of the function of the school to train for American citizenship, they wished to keep alive among their descendants an affection for the language and traditions of their forefathers. The medium of instruction in all departments has always been English, but courses in Swedish were offered to those of Swedish ancestry with the view of conserving for American life desirable elements in Swedish character and culture.
"During the 1886-1887 school year, steps were taken towards the organization of a college department. A freshman class was added. The school in a relatively short period of time experienced three changes in its name from Bethany Academy to Bethany Normal Institute, Bethany College and Normal Institute, and finally to Bethany College. The amended charter vested the institution with the right of conferring academic degrees, and in the spring of 1891, the degree Bachelor of Art was conferred for the first time on four young men.
"The institution had outgrown its quarters, and a new building was imperative and overdue for some time. The Board of Directors, in the early part of 1886, was invested with the power to purchase some land adjoining the school area and to proceed to have a "main building" erected. The new building, later called "Old Main," was completed in the spring of 1887, and amidst great rejoicing, was dedicated on June 2 of that year. Part of the building was used before the completion date. The structure in its day was the largest and the best of its kind in the state. It was 154 feet long, 60 feet wide and 85 feet high, and had a basement with five stories above. During the early days, the basement contained the Museum and Natural History Department, 3 commodious Recitation Rooms, an elegant Dining Hall (50 feet by 65 feet), Kitchen, Bakery and Janitor's Room. The Commercial Exchange [Department] (50 feet by 65 feet) on the first floor above the dining hall was undoubtedly the finest classroom in the West, and the pride of the institution. The Library, the President's Office and Resident Professors' Suite of Rooms were also on the first floor. The Chapel occupied the second and third floors above the Commercial Exchange, with the center arch extending the full length of the Chapel, which permitted a ceiling height of 30 feet and extended upward into the fourth floor level, allowing full-length narrow rooms on each side. The door to each of these narrow rooms opened to the fourth floor central corridor, whereas the doors to the balcony of the Chapel opened to the third floor central corridor and the Chapel's main floor open by doors to the second floor central corridor. The narrow rooms on each side of the Chapel were used as music practice rooms before construction of Presser Hall, and later the west one was used as a taxidermy room by Leon Lungstrom when he was a student working in the museum. Often during later years these rooms were used for storage (see drawings of the Old Main Building floor plans for clarification).
"The Chapel could seat 850 people, and it was furnished with first class opera chairs. All the windows were elegant with stained glass. During the early years the upper floor stories were set apart for student rooms of which there were 103. Each and every room had a separate bedroom and wardrobe combined. The building had three independent systems of stairs and wide commodious halls. The building was heated by steam.
"During later years the Natural Science Recitation Rooms and Laboratories were moved upstairs and occupied the fifth floor. The Men's Dormitory then occupied the third and fourth floors with bathrooms at the east end of both floors. In the 1940s a similar bathroom was added to the east end of the second floor. While located in the Old Main Building, the Museum had been moved from the basement to the fifth floor. During the mid 1930s it was moved again to the former Commercial Department [Exchange] above the cafeteria, where it remained until moved to the McPherson County Old Mill Museum in 1966. The Chapel and Dining Hall retained the same location throughout the existence of the building.
"During the later years of Old Main, faculty offices and recitation rooms were located in the basement and on the first two floors. Apartments were located in the southeast quarter of the building on both the first and second floors. Dr. and Mrs. Deere had an apartment on the southeast quarter of the third floor. They lived there from about 1919 until 1940. Home Economics, after earlier occupancy in the Swedish Pavilion, was moved to the first floor, and remained there until the department was moved to the new Nelson Science Hall in 1956. All of the natural sciences and mathematics moved to the new building, beginning the process in the spring of 1956. They were completely in place there when the 1956-1957 academic year began.
"The drawings included show a detailed floor plan of Nelson Science Hall as it appeared immediately after being built. At that time the basement was used principally for storage and the heating plant.
"Science equipment not immediately needed was stored in the basement, and here taxidermy classes were taught several years during Interterm before the rooms were renovated in 1981 for Computer Science. The Physics Department and Biology Department with their classrooms, laboratories and storerooms were placed on the first floor. Also, the offices for instructors, bathrooms, science library, attached greenhouse and large lecture hall were placed on the first floor.
"The chemistry, home economics and mathematics departments became located on the second floor with the necessary classrooms, laboratory facilities, storerooms and offices for the faculty teaching in these areas. One lecture room on the second floor was equipped to teach geology.
"Nelson Science Hall, after completion in 1956, was renovated several times. The Home Economics Department was discontinued in 1963, and its space was taken over and utilized by the Chemistry and Mathematics Departments. It soon became obvious that the attached greenhouse on the south side of the first floor caused the adjoining laboratory and storeroom to become almost unbearable during hot weather, and therefore it was converted partially into an animal room and the remaining area into an extension of the advanced biology laboratory. A new detached greenhouse was built to replace the old one. The faculty offices were enlarged when possible and in this change the library was converted into faculty offices. Several other modifications were made to improve usage of the Nelson Science Hall. After the basement renovation for computer science in 1981, continued growth in this area of academic study required an addition to be built on the north side of the existing structure in 1983.
"During the renovation made in 1988, the faculty offices for second floor were placed joining one another at the northwest corner. Floor plans for Nelson Science Hall after initial construction are included.
"J. A. Udden taught several subjects during the first year of school in the Bethany Academy (1981-1982), but only the courses of Arithmetic and Geography were in the areas of Natural Science and Mathematics that year. By the second year according to the Bethany Academy Catalog, the school study program was divided into subclass, first class, second and third class. The students enrolled in the subclass were to study Sacred Geography, Swedish Reading, English Reading, Arithmetic, Geography, Penmanship, and Orthography. The courses listed for the first class were Sacred History, English Grammar, Swedish Orthography, Arithmetic, Geography, U. S. History, and Drawing. Study areas for second class were Church History, Civil Government, Physical Geography, and Natural Philosophy, while the subjects listed for the third class were Biblical Knowledge, Swedish Grammar and Composition, Latin, Algebra, Physiology, English Composition and Elocution, Swedish History, Bookkeeping, Methods of Teaching and German Language.
"Board and tuition was listed at $2 per week for the previous school year which seems very low when compared to today's values, but the dollar then had a much higher purchasing power.
"The student was expected to pledge himself to obey all rules and regulations which the faculty deemed proper, to make for the establishment of a Christian life, Christian morals and good order. It was emphasized that Bethany is a Christian institution and all the teachings and influence of the college were concentrated as much as possible upon this one point. The school session opened daily with devotional exercises. All members of the institution were required to attend the exercises. Also, they were required to attend divine services on the Lord's Day at the church preferred by their parents.
"The first teacher of the institution, Johan August Udden, later became a highly recognized geologist. The school catalogue for the third academic year (1883-1884) listed three possible options for the student's choice of study, which were: the classical course, the scientific course, and the course of normal study. The last choice was apparently designed for the student wishing to become a teacher. The 1984-1885 [fourth academic year] school catalogue lists the following courses in science and mathematics, which the student could select in his or her study program: Physical Geography, Arithmetic, Algebra, Botany, Geometry, and Zoology. At this time and earlier, the school officers recognized the importance of Natural Science in the education curriculum of the day. The great progress in science during the past century was recognized and was felt to demand a corresponding amount of attention in the Bethany school system. However, by mere book study only, they felt that the development of the facilities of observation and judgement could be lost. This view resulted in a sizeable collection of natural history material consisting of mammals, birds, reptiles, plants and fossils. These became a part of the Museum which was already well established by the fifth year of the school's existence. This work was supported by members of the Linnean Association, an organization which had for its objective the promotion of interest in scientific knowledge among its members. One of the important goals was the collecting of specimens for the Museum at the Bethany Academy. The officers of the organization during its fourth academic year were [Bethany College President] E. Nelander, president; [first Bethany professor] John Udden, corresponding secretary, and J. E. Gustus, recording secretary.
"During the sixth academic year (1886-1887) the total number of faculty in the school had increased to fifteen. By this time Bethany had a very encouraging history. It was a continued surprise to friends, patrons and all. The school began with nothing five years before and at this time it was the largest and strongest institution of learning in Central Kansas. The high qualifications of the faculty, the beautiful central location, the strength of the church, the quality of its patrons and a kind Providence were considered the factors in the wonderful and inspiring development of this institution.
"The institution recognized the practical and disciplinary value of Mathematics. The metric system was carefully taught. Accuracy in arithmetic and a good knowledge of algebra were felt to be indispensable. Three things were deemed important in teaching the mathematical branch of study: to train the pupil in rigid and logical reasoning; to give facility in methods of operation; and to secure expertness in the construction and use of algebraic formulae. The analytic method was used chiefly in demonstrating theorems.
"The Natural Sciences were considered well adapted to cultivate good judgment, to train the powers of observation, and accustom the student to habits of independent inquiry. Also, a thorough and systematic knowledge of the results of scientific investigation should be imparted.
"At this time at Bethany, a course in Natural Science began with the study of Human Physiology. The various vital functions were explained and studied by experimentation and other means. Physical and chemical laws were explained and studied by experimentation in a like manner. Hygiene, taught by lecture, gave special attention to the effects of alcoholic drink and narcotics on the system. Botany was taught during both fall and spring terms during the students' second year. When weather permitted, excursions were arranged for study into surrounding meadows and fields. Zoology was studied with a systematic coverage of the animal kingdom accompanied by appropriate laboratory dissection. Physics was taught during the freshman year and at this time individuals in chemistry were in the process of improving laboratory facilities so that thirty students could be accommodated in both Elementary Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis. The collegiate program in the school was in its infancy at this time.
"By the end of the first decade, Bethany had developed from an academy to a school with a four-year college program. In addition to the Collegiate Department, the school also had the Preparatory Department, the Normal Department, the Conservatory of Music, the Commercial Department, the Model School and the Department of Art. The number of faculty had grown to eighteen.
"The student in the collegiate area of study had the option of choosing either the classical or scientific course of study. Usually both took the following: English (4 courses), Swedish (4 courses), German (2 courses), Christianity (4 courses), History (2 courses), Mental Science (1 course), Political Economy (1 course), Logic (1 course). Usually the classical student took four courses in Latin and four courses in Greek, whereas the scientific student probably would take one course in Latin and no Greek. The scientific student completed more work in the natural sciences and mathematics than the classical student. Interestingly, both groups devoted about the same amount of time to physics.
"During its early history, Bethany had a sizeable list of courses in the Swedish language and Swedish literature. It was implied in the school catalogues that the students with Swedish ancestry were encouraged to take advantage of these courses, whereas the student with the non-Swedish background would not be encouraged to devote much time in this area unless the student so desired.
"The science and mathematical studies listed for the tenth school year publication were Arithmetic, Algebra, Plane and Solid Geometry, Plane and Spherical Trigonometry, Surveying, Analytical Geometry, Differential and Integral Calculus, Inorganic Chemistry, Qualitative Analysis, Physiology, Botany, Zoology, Physics, Geology and Astronomy.
"The school year was divided into the fall term, first winter term, second winter term and spring term. 16
"By the twentieth academic year, the student could choose to pursue studies in the classical course, the modern language course, the natural history course, or the physico-mathematical course, for the bachelor's degree program in the liberal arts area.
"In the synopsis of suggested programs for either the natural history or the physico-mathematical area of study, the student would likely take Church History, German, English, French, Histology, Dogmatics, Ethics, History of Philosophy, Introduction of Philosophy, Physiology, and Psychology of Logic. The student interested in natural science would take more courses in biology, geology and mineralogy, whereas the student interested in pursuing work in the physico-mathematics area would be more apt to select more chemistry and mathematics, physics and astronomy. The number of courses for study listed in the college catalogue for that period were as follows: Biology, 10; Chemistry, 5; Physics, 4; Geology and Mineralogy, 4; Mathematics and Astronomy, 9. At this time Mechanical Drawing and Physical Geography were taught at the academy level of instruction. Each of the two semesters continued to be divided into two terms, and, of course, there was summer school.
"By the thirtieth academic year, the school had 46 instructors teaching in nine departments: the Graduate Department, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Education, the Academy, the College of Music and Fine Arts, the School of Business, the School of Law, the Model School, and Summer School.
"Work leading to the bachelor's degree at the college was offered in the following four groups: classical, modern language, physical science, and biological science. All required a total of 126 units (hours) for completion of the total study program for the four-year period.
"The physical science group listed the following requirements: Basic subjects, 47 units; Chemistry, 14 units; Geology, 3 units; Astronomy, 3 units; Mathematics, 8 units; Mechanical Drawing, 2 units; Modern Language, 6 units; and Electives, 43 units, for completion of a recommended study program. The biological science group listed; Basic subjects, 47 units; Biology, 14 units; Physiology, 4 units; Geology, 3 units; Chemistry, 9 units; Modern Language, 6 units; and Electives, 43 units, for completion of a recommended study program.
"The college catalog for the 29th academic year listed the following offerings: Astronomy, 2 courses; Botany, 5 courses; Chemistry, 12 courses; Mechanical Drawing, 6 courses; Geology and Mineralogy, 4 courses; Physics, 4 courses; Physiology and Hygiene, 3 courses; Zoology, 8 courses; Mathematics, 7 courses.
"During 1920-1921, which was the school's fortieth year as an educational institution, several departments had been discontinued. Those still in existence at this time were the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Academy, the School of Music and Fine Arts, and the School of Business. Home Economics, a new addition to the science area about 1912, consisted of domestic arts with 9 courses, and domestic science with 14 courses listed at this time. The course listings in the other areas of science and mathematics were: Astronomy, 2 courses; Biology, 4 courses; Botany and Bacteriology, 8 courses; Chemistry, 9 courses; Mechanical Drawing, 7 courses; Geology and Mineralogy, 5 courses; Physics, 2 courses; Physiology and Hygiene, 4 courses; Zoology, 8 courses; Mathematics, 7 courses.
"The student required 124 hours of course work for graduation. Other college level areas for study selection at this time were in English, Classical Languages, Modern Languages, History and Political Science, Economics, Sociology, Philosophy and Education, Bible and Religion, Music, Expression and Dramatic Art, Art Drawing and Painting.
"During the early years of rapid expansion, the school developed from an academy into a college with several departments. Later Bethany altered this trend to consolidate into an institution offering only a four-year college-level program. As it entered the fiftieth academic year, additonal departments had been discontinued. The Academy, which was the original school, was discontinued in 1927, and the Commercial Department was upgraded and absorbed by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The standards were raised to conform with college requirements. The school was restructured into a school with the following divisions: the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Fine Arts, and Summer School. In some areas of science and mathematics the course offerings had been reduced in number, and the offering consisted of: Biology, 21 courses; Chemistry, 8 courses; Mechanical drawing, 5 courses; Geology and Mineralogy, 3 courses; Home Economics, 10 courses; Mathematics, 13 courses; Physics, 4 courses; and Astronomy, 1 course.
"From the 1950s to the present time, a number of innovations in the school's academic program were developed which had significant bearing on the sciences and mathematics.
"Affiliated programs were established in a cooperative effort with other institutions, thus enabling Bethany to offer degrees in areas in which the school by itself did not have the total resources to complete. Two of these programs that developed in the 1950s were nursing education and medical technology, completed with the cooperative effort of Trinity Lutheran Hospital in Kansas City. Similar programs in engineering have been established with Kansas State University in Manhattan and Wichita State University.
"The school in the late 1960s became aware of critical financial problems that needed immediate attention. One of the hopeful remedies initiated was finding areas of operation which could be consolidated or eliminated. With this thought in mind, three degree programs-- Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Fine Arts -- were consolidated under the degree program of Bachelor of Arts.
"The core curriculum established in the 1960s for graduation requirement imposed a more rigid and demanding course selection than the more relaxed 35-course graduation requirement of a decade later. No doubt, the core requirement was for the purpose of attempting to provide the students with the desired educational coverage for a quality liberal arts degree. The courses for the core requirement listed in the 1964-1965 school catalogue were: religion, 8 hours; philosophy, 3 hours; English, 12 hours; foreign language, 6-12 hours; music or art, 3 hours; science, 8 hours; history, social science, economics or political science, 6 hours; sociology or psychology, 6 hours.
"The 4-1-4 plan which followed the core era had subjects evaluated by quantity of time devoted to the study by the term "course" rather than hours. The typical one-course load was equal to the former four-hour load. As already indicated, the student was required to complete a minimum of 35 courses for graduation. In the 4-1-4 program, the academic year was divided into a fall term, a one-month interterm and a spring term. Usually each student carried four courses during the fall term, one course during interterm and four during the spring term. A great variety of course offerings was possible during interterm, including month-long field trips. The program was also adopted by Bethel College, Tabor College, Sterling College, McPherson College and Kansas Wesleyan University. These schools, together with Bethany joined to form the Associated Colleges of Central Kansas (ACCK). This union proved to be an advantage to the sciences in that a variety of projects and field trips became possible when such ventures would be difficult or impossible attempted by one school alone. The computer science program is an example of a cooperative venture begun through ACCK. Later each school was able to develop its own program in this area of study. At Bethany this program has developed to the extent that a major in computer science is now a reality.
"The divisional and contract majors in science were options available to students. In the divisional major the student would take a minimum of 21 hours in one area of science, 12 hours in another science area, and 9 hours in a third area of science. Mathematics could be selected as one of the three areas. The contract major developed on an individual basis was a choice for some students.
"Through a program called Experience-Based Education, a student making appropriate arrangements could have a learning experience for academic credit while absent from the campus. For instance, a student in science could select a desired research laboratory to get experiences that would not be available on the campus.
"The innovations discussed are a few of the number developed in the history of Bethany College.
"The quality of the Bethany science program has been built on a strong foundation developed by dedicated pioneers like Professor J. E. Welin, who devoted nearly one-half century of his life to Bethany, and Professor E. O. Deere, who devoted nearly two-thirds of a century to the institution. These men and other pioneer professors like them devoted many hours each day to their profession. This was not done for the purpose of personal gain of glory. They did this because of love and personal dedication to their students, their school and their profession.
"An institution of higher learning was a moot question among the Swedish colonists living in McPherson and Saline Counties early in the history of pioneer settlement. It was not until 1879 that there was a realization of the dream of founding an educational institution upon the plains of Central Kansas. The first step toward this hope was taken by the Swedish Lutheran Church of Lindsborg at its annual business meeting in December of that year (1879) when the congregation voted to plat and sell a portion of a track of land deeded to it by the Union Pacific Railroad for church and school purposes. A decision was made that one-half of the proceeds from this sale should constitute the nucleus of an endowment fund for an institution of higher learning. The plan was allowed to germinate for two years. Carl Swensson was elected as pastor in 1878 and was installed July 1879. By the summer of 1881 he announced his intentions of opening a new school. J. A. Udden, a recent graduate of Augustana College, was employed as a new teacher. No building for school purposes was available at the time, so Bethany Church placed its sacristy at the disposal of the new school for this undertaking. October 15, 1881 was decided upon for the opening day of school. Not a single student put in an appearance during the first day, although it had been widely announced in the area. It has been reported by Prof. E. O. Deere that this may not be true. A man at a later date told Dr. Deere that his father brought him and four other students, who enrolled on the first day of school. This could have been due to a mix up on dates. Later the students came until a total of 27 enrolled for the this first academic year. Except for Biblical material taught by Pastor Carl Swensson, all of the class subjects were taught by Udden during the first year of school. Although well backed by moral support of the people within the community, the entire financial responsibility for the school rested on Swensson alone. During the spring of 1882 he purchased a public school building from the local school district and had it moved to a track of land donated for this purpose. It was renovated as needed for the new school, and dedicated on October 4, 1882. This structure became known as the Bethany Academy building. During its occupancy on the Bethany campus, it stood in two separate locations, first where Presser Hall now stands, and later north of the Pihlblad Memorial Student Union Building. The latter location is well illustrated in an aerial photograph of the campus displayed in the 1965 Bethanian. Its final move was to the McPherson County Old Mill Museum, where it is presently displayed in the Heritage Complex. The bell tower and the front vestibule were removed many years ago.
"The purpose of the school was declared to be for training teachers for public and parochial schools and to furnish a fundamental education to young men who had the ministry in mind as a life calling. The need for competent teachers in the rural schools as well as schools conducted by the church was imperative at that time, and especially so in central and western Kansas. This was a period of time before every little community had a high school.
"At a meeting of the Smoky Hill District of the Kansas Conference of the Augustana Synod held in Marian Hill on July 1, 1882, this body made itself sponsor for the infant undertaking, gave it the name Bethany Academy and elected a board of eight members to exercise supervision over the institution. The board consisted of Rev. Carl Swensson, Lindsborg, president of the board; Rev. A. W. Dahlsten, Salemsborg, secretary; John A. Swenson, Lindsborg, treasurer; Rev. P. M. Sannquist, New Gottland; John Thorstenberg, Assaria; A. Lincoln, Lindsborg; C. J. Stromquist, Free Mount [Freemout]; and Rev. J. Seleen, Smoky Hill.
"The Institution received its first charter during September, 1882, in which it was called Bethany Academy. The renovated Academy Building was dedicated October 4, and the second year of school began the following day. Edward Nelander was elected president of the faculty and continued as president until his retirement in the spring of 1889, after which Rev. Carl A. Swensson assumed the position and thereby became president of both the school and the board. The faculty during the second year had been increased to a total of five. They were Johan A. Udden, Edward Nelander, C.G. Norman, J. Hasselquist and John T. Anderson.
"The enrollment during the second year reached a total of 92, with 32 in the subclass, 48 in the first class and 12 in the second class. John Eric Welin, who later served as a Bethany faculty member [was third museum curator], started his study in the Academy this term.
"Bethany's period of expansion began the following year (1983-1984). A two-story brick structure was built for a dormitory, and it housed male students until 1886, when it was converted into a ladies' residence. It was later enlarged and became known as Lane Hart Hall and continued serving as a ladies' dormitory for many years. It was finally demolished after newer, more modern structures were built to house the students.
"During March 1884 in a meeting at Mariadahl, Kansas, control of the school was transferred from the Smoky Hill District to the Kansas Conference of the Augustana Synod. By this change the government of the Bethany Academy was extended beyond local control.
"The need for development and training teachers for the parochial and public schools was now fully appreciated, and arrangements to satisfy this want were immediately undertaken. Pedagogical subjects were given a special prominence, with a course change to four years. The classical course which had prevailed was retained and required three years for its completion, and for a period of time occupied second place.
"In the founding of Bethany College, the fathers had in mind an institution whose sole purpose was not to impart instruction in the secular subjects. These men were deeply religious and were moved by the conviction that Christianity was the only safe foundation upon which to build education and character. They sought not only to impart theoretical instruction in the Biblical and kindred subjects, but above all to infuse the spirit of Christ into the life of the school. In the subsequent development of the work, this has always been held as a fundamental principle.
"While believing in American ideals and conscious of the function of the school to train for American citizenship, they wished to keep alive among their descendants an affection for the language and traditions of their forefathers. The medium of instruction in all departments has always been English, but courses in Swedish were offered to those of Swedish ancestry with the view of conserving for American life desirable elements in Swedish character and culture.
"During the 1886-1887 school year, steps were taken towards the organization of a college department. A freshman class was added. The school in a relatively short period of time experienced three changes in its name from Bethany Academy to Bethany Normal Institute, Bethany College and Normal Institute, and finally to Bethany College. The amended charter vested the institution with the right of conferring academic degrees, and in the spring of 1891, the degree Bachelor of Art was conferred for the first time on four young men.
"The institution had outgrown its quarters, and a new building was imperative and overdue for some time. The Board of Directors, in the early part of 1886, was invested with the power to purchase some land adjoining the school area and to proceed to have a "main building" erected. The new building, later called "Old Main," was completed in the spring of 1887, and amidst great rejoicing, was dedicated on June 2 of that year. Part of the building was used before the completion date. The structure in its day was the largest and the best of its kind in the state. It was 154 feet long, 60 feet wide and 85 feet high, and had a basement with five stories above. During the early days, the basement contained the Museum and Natural History Department, 3 commodious Recitation Rooms, an elegant Dining Hall (50 feet by 65 feet), Kitchen, Bakery and Janitor's Room. The Commercial Exchange [Department] (50 feet by 65 feet) on the first floor above the dining hall was undoubtedly the finest classroom in the West, and the pride of the institution. The Library, the President's Office and Resident Professors' Suite of Rooms were also on the first floor. The Chapel occupied the second and third floors above the Commercial Exchange, with the center arch extending the full length of the Chapel, which permitted a ceiling height of 30 feet and extended upward into the fourth floor level, allowing full-length narrow rooms on each side. The door to each of these narrow rooms opened to the fourth floor central corridor, whereas the doors to the balcony of the Chapel opened to the third floor central corridor and the Chapel's main floor open by doors to the second floor central corridor. The narrow rooms on each side of the Chapel were used as music practice rooms before construction of Presser Hall, and later the west one was used as a taxidermy room by Leon Lungstrom when he was a student working in the museum. Often during later years these rooms were used for storage (see drawings of the Old Main Building floor plans for clarification).
"The Chapel could seat 850 people, and it was furnished with first class opera chairs. All the windows were elegant with stained glass. During the early years the upper floor stories were set apart for student rooms of which there were 103. Each and every room had a separate bedroom and wardrobe combined. The building had three independent systems of stairs and wide commodious halls. The building was heated by steam.
"During later years the Natural Science Recitation Rooms and Laboratories were moved upstairs and occupied the fifth floor. The Men's Dormitory then occupied the third and fourth floors with bathrooms at the east end of both floors. In the 1940s a similar bathroom was added to the east end of the second floor. While located in the Old Main Building, the Museum had been moved from the basement to the fifth floor. During the mid 1930s it was moved again to the former Commercial Department [Exchange] above the cafeteria, where it remained until moved to the McPherson County Old Mill Museum in 1966. The Chapel and Dining Hall retained the same location throughout the existence of the building.
"During the later years of Old Main, faculty offices and recitation rooms were located in the basement and on the first two floors. Apartments were located in the southeast quarter of the building on both the first and second floors. Dr. and Mrs. Deere had an apartment on the southeast quarter of the third floor. They lived there from about 1919 until 1940. Home Economics, after earlier occupancy in the Swedish Pavilion, was moved to the first floor, and remained there until the department was moved to the new Nelson Science Hall in 1956. All of the natural sciences and mathematics moved to the new building, beginning the process in the spring of 1956. They were completely in place there when the 1956-1957 academic year began.
"The drawings included show a detailed floor plan of Nelson Science Hall as it appeared immediately after being built. At that time the basement was used principally for storage and the heating plant.
"Science equipment not immediately needed was stored in the basement, and here taxidermy classes were taught several years during Interterm before the rooms were renovated in 1981 for Computer Science. The Physics Department and Biology Department with their classrooms, laboratories and storerooms were placed on the first floor. Also, the offices for instructors, bathrooms, science library, attached greenhouse and large lecture hall were placed on the first floor.
"The chemistry, home economics and mathematics departments became located on the second floor with the necessary classrooms, laboratory facilities, storerooms and offices for the faculty teaching in these areas. One lecture room on the second floor was equipped to teach geology.
"Nelson Science Hall, after completion in 1956, was renovated several times. The Home Economics Department was discontinued in 1963, and its space was taken over and utilized by the Chemistry and Mathematics Departments. It soon became obvious that the attached greenhouse on the south side of the first floor caused the adjoining laboratory and storeroom to become almost unbearable during hot weather, and therefore it was converted partially into an animal room and the remaining area into an extension of the advanced biology laboratory. A new detached greenhouse was built to replace the old one. The faculty offices were enlarged when possible and in this change the library was converted into faculty offices. Several other modifications were made to improve usage of the Nelson Science Hall. After the basement renovation for computer science in 1981, continued growth in this area of academic study required an addition to be built on the north side of the existing structure in 1983.
"During the renovation made in 1988, the faculty offices for second floor were placed joining one another at the northwest corner. Floor plans for Nelson Science Hall after initial construction are included.
"J. A. Udden taught several subjects during the first year of school in the Bethany Academy (1981-1982), but only the courses of Arithmetic and Geography were in the areas of Natural Science and Mathematics that year. By the second year according to the Bethany Academy Catalog, the school study program was divided into subclass, first class, second and third class. The students enrolled in the subclass were to study Sacred Geography, Swedish Reading, English Reading, Arithmetic, Geography, Penmanship, and Orthography. The courses listed for the first class were Sacred History, English Grammar, Swedish Orthography, Arithmetic, Geography, U. S. History, and Drawing. Study areas for second class were Church History, Civil Government, Physical Geography, and Natural Philosophy, while the subjects listed for the third class were Biblical Knowledge, Swedish Grammar and Composition, Latin, Algebra, Physiology, English Composition and Elocution, Swedish History, Bookkeeping, Methods of Teaching and German Language.
"Board and tuition was listed at $2 per week for the previous school year which seems very low when compared to today's values, but the dollar then had a much higher purchasing power.
"The student was expected to pledge himself to obey all rules and regulations which the faculty deemed proper, to make for the establishment of a Christian life, Christian morals and good order. It was emphasized that Bethany is a Christian institution and all the teachings and influence of the college were concentrated as much as possible upon this one point. The school session opened daily with devotional exercises. All members of the institution were required to attend the exercises. Also, they were required to attend divine services on the Lord's Day at the church preferred by their parents.
"The first teacher of the institution, Johan August Udden, later became a highly recognized geologist. The school catalogue for the third academic year (1883-1884) listed three possible options for the student's choice of study, which were: the classical course, the scientific course, and the course of normal study. The last choice was apparently designed for the student wishing to become a teacher. The 1984-1885 [fourth academic year] school catalogue lists the following courses in science and mathematics, which the student could select in his or her study program: Physical Geography, Arithmetic, Algebra, Botany, Geometry, and Zoology. At this time and earlier, the school officers recognized the importance of Natural Science in the education curriculum of the day. The great progress in science during the past century was recognized and was felt to demand a corresponding amount of attention in the Bethany school system. However, by mere book study only, they felt that the development of the facilities of observation and judgement could be lost. This view resulted in a sizeable collection of natural history material consisting of mammals, birds, reptiles, plants and fossils. These became a part of the Museum which was already well established by the fifth year of the school's existence. This work was supported by members of the Linnean Association, an organization which had for its objective the promotion of interest in scientific knowledge among its members. One of the important goals was the collecting of specimens for the Museum at the Bethany Academy. The officers of the organization during its fourth academic year were [Bethany College President] E. Nelander, president; [first Bethany professor] John Udden, corresponding secretary, and J. E. Gustus, recording secretary.
"During the sixth academic year (1886-1887) the total number of faculty in the school had increased to fifteen. By this time Bethany had a very encouraging history. It was a continued surprise to friends, patrons and all. The school began with nothing five years before and at this time it was the largest and strongest institution of learning in Central Kansas. The high qualifications of the faculty, the beautiful central location, the strength of the church, the quality of its patrons and a kind Providence were considered the factors in the wonderful and inspiring development of this institution.
"The institution recognized the practical and disciplinary value of Mathematics. The metric system was carefully taught. Accuracy in arithmetic and a good knowledge of algebra were felt to be indispensable. Three things were deemed important in teaching the mathematical branch of study: to train the pupil in rigid and logical reasoning; to give facility in methods of operation; and to secure expertness in the construction and use of algebraic formulae. The analytic method was used chiefly in demonstrating theorems.
"The Natural Sciences were considered well adapted to cultivate good judgment, to train the powers of observation, and accustom the student to habits of independent inquiry. Also, a thorough and systematic knowledge of the results of scientific investigation should be imparted.
"At this time at Bethany, a course in Natural Science began with the study of Human Physiology. The various vital functions were explained and studied by experimentation and other means. Physical and chemical laws were explained and studied by experimentation in a like manner. Hygiene, taught by lecture, gave special attention to the effects of alcoholic drink and narcotics on the system. Botany was taught during both fall and spring terms during the students' second year. When weather permitted, excursions were arranged for study into surrounding meadows and fields. Zoology was studied with a systematic coverage of the animal kingdom accompanied by appropriate laboratory dissection. Physics was taught during the freshman year and at this time individuals in chemistry were in the process of improving laboratory facilities so that thirty students could be accommodated in both Elementary Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis. The collegiate program in the school was in its infancy at this time.
"By the end of the first decade, Bethany had developed from an academy to a school with a four-year college program. In addition to the Collegiate Department, the school also had the Preparatory Department, the Normal Department, the Conservatory of Music, the Commercial Department, the Model School and the Department of Art. The number of faculty had grown to eighteen.
"The student in the collegiate area of study had the option of choosing either the classical or scientific course of study. Usually both took the following: English (4 courses), Swedish (4 courses), German (2 courses), Christianity (4 courses), History (2 courses), Mental Science (1 course), Political Economy (1 course), Logic (1 course). Usually the classical student took four courses in Latin and four courses in Greek, whereas the scientific student probably would take one course in Latin and no Greek. The scientific student completed more work in the natural sciences and mathematics than the classical student. Interestingly, both groups devoted about the same amount of time to physics.
"During its early history, Bethany had a sizeable list of courses in the Swedish language and Swedish literature. It was implied in the school catalogues that the students with Swedish ancestry were encouraged to take advantage of these courses, whereas the student with the non-Swedish background would not be encouraged to devote much time in this area unless the student so desired.
"The science and mathematical studies listed for the tenth school year publication were Arithmetic, Algebra, Plane and Solid Geometry, Plane and Spherical Trigonometry, Surveying, Analytical Geometry, Differential and Integral Calculus, Inorganic Chemistry, Qualitative Analysis, Physiology, Botany, Zoology, Physics, Geology and Astronomy.
"The school year was divided into the fall term, first winter term, second winter term and spring term. 16
"By the twentieth academic year, the student could choose to pursue studies in the classical course, the modern language course, the natural history course, or the physico-mathematical course, for the bachelor's degree program in the liberal arts area.
"In the synopsis of suggested programs for either the natural history or the physico-mathematical area of study, the student would likely take Church History, German, English, French, Histology, Dogmatics, Ethics, History of Philosophy, Introduction of Philosophy, Physiology, and Psychology of Logic. The student interested in natural science would take more courses in biology, geology and mineralogy, whereas the student interested in pursuing work in the physico-mathematics area would be more apt to select more chemistry and mathematics, physics and astronomy. The number of courses for study listed in the college catalogue for that period were as follows: Biology, 10; Chemistry, 5; Physics, 4; Geology and Mineralogy, 4; Mathematics and Astronomy, 9. At this time Mechanical Drawing and Physical Geography were taught at the academy level of instruction. Each of the two semesters continued to be divided into two terms, and, of course, there was summer school.
"By the thirtieth academic year, the school had 46 instructors teaching in nine departments: the Graduate Department, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Education, the Academy, the College of Music and Fine Arts, the School of Business, the School of Law, the Model School, and Summer School.
"Work leading to the bachelor's degree at the college was offered in the following four groups: classical, modern language, physical science, and biological science. All required a total of 126 units (hours) for completion of the total study program for the four-year period.
"The physical science group listed the following requirements: Basic subjects, 47 units; Chemistry, 14 units; Geology, 3 units; Astronomy, 3 units; Mathematics, 8 units; Mechanical Drawing, 2 units; Modern Language, 6 units; and Electives, 43 units, for completion of a recommended study program. The biological science group listed; Basic subjects, 47 units; Biology, 14 units; Physiology, 4 units; Geology, 3 units; Chemistry, 9 units; Modern Language, 6 units; and Electives, 43 units, for completion of a recommended study program.
"The college catalog for the 29th academic year listed the following offerings: Astronomy, 2 courses; Botany, 5 courses; Chemistry, 12 courses; Mechanical Drawing, 6 courses; Geology and Mineralogy, 4 courses; Physics, 4 courses; Physiology and Hygiene, 3 courses; Zoology, 8 courses; Mathematics, 7 courses.
"During 1920-1921, which was the school's fortieth year as an educational institution, several departments had been discontinued. Those still in existence at this time were the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Academy, the School of Music and Fine Arts, and the School of Business. Home Economics, a new addition to the science area about 1912, consisted of domestic arts with 9 courses, and domestic science with 14 courses listed at this time. The course listings in the other areas of science and mathematics were: Astronomy, 2 courses; Biology, 4 courses; Botany and Bacteriology, 8 courses; Chemistry, 9 courses; Mechanical Drawing, 7 courses; Geology and Mineralogy, 5 courses; Physics, 2 courses; Physiology and Hygiene, 4 courses; Zoology, 8 courses; Mathematics, 7 courses.
"The student required 124 hours of course work for graduation. Other college level areas for study selection at this time were in English, Classical Languages, Modern Languages, History and Political Science, Economics, Sociology, Philosophy and Education, Bible and Religion, Music, Expression and Dramatic Art, Art Drawing and Painting.
"During the early years of rapid expansion, the school developed from an academy into a college with several departments. Later Bethany altered this trend to consolidate into an institution offering only a four-year college-level program. As it entered the fiftieth academic year, additonal departments had been discontinued. The Academy, which was the original school, was discontinued in 1927, and the Commercial Department was upgraded and absorbed by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The standards were raised to conform with college requirements. The school was restructured into a school with the following divisions: the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Fine Arts, and Summer School. In some areas of science and mathematics the course offerings had been reduced in number, and the offering consisted of: Biology, 21 courses; Chemistry, 8 courses; Mechanical drawing, 5 courses; Geology and Mineralogy, 3 courses; Home Economics, 10 courses; Mathematics, 13 courses; Physics, 4 courses; and Astronomy, 1 course.
"From the 1950s to the present time, a number of innovations in the school's academic program were developed which had significant bearing on the sciences and mathematics.
"Affiliated programs were established in a cooperative effort with other institutions, thus enabling Bethany to offer degrees in areas in which the school by itself did not have the total resources to complete. Two of these programs that developed in the 1950s were nursing education and medical technology, completed with the cooperative effort of Trinity Lutheran Hospital in Kansas City. Similar programs in engineering have been established with Kansas State University in Manhattan and Wichita State University.
"The school in the late 1960s became aware of critical financial problems that needed immediate attention. One of the hopeful remedies initiated was finding areas of operation which could be consolidated or eliminated. With this thought in mind, three degree programs-- Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Fine Arts -- were consolidated under the degree program of Bachelor of Arts.
"The core curriculum established in the 1960s for graduation requirement imposed a more rigid and demanding course selection than the more relaxed 35-course graduation requirement of a decade later. No doubt, the core requirement was for the purpose of attempting to provide the students with the desired educational coverage for a quality liberal arts degree. The courses for the core requirement listed in the 1964-1965 school catalogue were: religion, 8 hours; philosophy, 3 hours; English, 12 hours; foreign language, 6-12 hours; music or art, 3 hours; science, 8 hours; history, social science, economics or political science, 6 hours; sociology or psychology, 6 hours.
"The 4-1-4 plan which followed the core era had subjects evaluated by quantity of time devoted to the study by the term "course" rather than hours. The typical one-course load was equal to the former four-hour load. As already indicated, the student was required to complete a minimum of 35 courses for graduation. In the 4-1-4 program, the academic year was divided into a fall term, a one-month interterm and a spring term. Usually each student carried four courses during the fall term, one course during interterm and four during the spring term. A great variety of course offerings was possible during interterm, including month-long field trips. The program was also adopted by Bethel College, Tabor College, Sterling College, McPherson College and Kansas Wesleyan University. These schools, together with Bethany joined to form the Associated Colleges of Central Kansas (ACCK). This union proved to be an advantage to the sciences in that a variety of projects and field trips became possible when such ventures would be difficult or impossible attempted by one school alone. The computer science program is an example of a cooperative venture begun through ACCK. Later each school was able to develop its own program in this area of study. At Bethany this program has developed to the extent that a major in computer science is now a reality.
"The divisional and contract majors in science were options available to students. In the divisional major the student would take a minimum of 21 hours in one area of science, 12 hours in another science area, and 9 hours in a third area of science. Mathematics could be selected as one of the three areas. The contract major developed on an individual basis was a choice for some students.
"Through a program called Experience-Based Education, a student making appropriate arrangements could have a learning experience for academic credit while absent from the campus. For instance, a student in science could select a desired research laboratory to get experiences that would not be available on the campus.
"The innovations discussed are a few of the number developed in the history of Bethany College.
"The quality of the Bethany science program has been built on a strong foundation developed by dedicated pioneers like Professor J. E. Welin, who devoted nearly one-half century of his life to Bethany, and Professor E. O. Deere, who devoted nearly two-thirds of a century to the institution. These men and other pioneer professors like them devoted many hours each day to their profession. This was not done for the purpose of personal gain of glory. They did this because of love and personal dedication to their students, their school and their profession.
Dr. Lungstrom's informative narrative is a rare work and very important for the cultural history of Bethany College's earliest history. To add to its rareness, the Bethany College Archives reports that it has only two (2) copies in a September 25, 2017, email.
**Courtesy of Mrs. Leon (Linda) Lungstrom to share her husband's work, January 31, 2016.
**Courtesy of Mrs. Leon (Linda) Lungstrom to share her husband's work, January 31, 2016.
* * *
"Let Us Celebrate Them"
* * *
Swedes: TheWayTheyWere
~ restoring lost local histories ~
reconnecting past to present
* * *
All color photography throughout Swedes: The Way They Were is by Fran Cochran unless otherwise indicated.
Copyright © since October 8, 2015 to Current Year
as indicated on main menu sections of
www.swedesthewaytheywere.org. All rights reserved.
"Let Us Celebrate Them"
* * *
Swedes: TheWayTheyWere
~ restoring lost local histories ~
reconnecting past to present
* * *
All color photography throughout Swedes: The Way They Were is by Fran Cochran unless otherwise indicated.
Copyright © since October 8, 2015 to Current Year
as indicated on main menu sections of
www.swedesthewaytheywere.org. All rights reserved.
