Old school: U-M in History

September 12, 2011

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Diag landmark

Francis Hamilton, mayor of Ann Arbor from 1905-07, willed the city of Ann Arbor $1,000 to erect a drinking fountain, and following his death in May of 1914, his family donated another $500. The fountain, near the corner of South State and North University, was presented to U-M and the City of Ann Arbor on behalf of the Class of 1869, of which Hamilton was a member. It was dedicated in 1919. The photo was taken in 1920. On the sides of the fountain is a procession of robed figures in relief, representing Youth, Labor, Poetry and Philosophy.
— Courtesy Bentley Historical Library

This month in history (170 years ago)

The university offered its first classes in Ann Arbor, with the Rev. George Williams teaching mathematics and science, and the Rev. Joseph Whiting teaching Greek and Latin. Seven students comprised the entire student body. Today, U-M offers classes through 28 schools and colleges on the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses, taught by 6,760 faculty members to nearly 60,000 students.
— Courtesy Department of Mathematics and the Office of Budget and Planning

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