10 Facts You Didn’t Know About McKendree
You probably already know that McKendree is the oldest college in Illinois, but we’ll bet there are a few things you didn’t know about our campus. From our mascot, historic buildings and treasures to our campus history and traditions, there are many facts you probably would have never guessed to be true! Here are the top 10 facts:
1. What Puts the Bear in Bearcat?
It all began in the year 1924 when a real, live bear cub was bought with big dreams
of becoming the football team mascot. Just two years later, in 1926, Susie, one of
the live bear cub mascots, made her first appearance on campus. It was not just a
short visit... Susie was here to stay. She quickly settled near Voigt Science Hall
in a huge cage. But sometimes, she was able to go on walks around campus with a collar
and chain. She was even able to go inside classrooms! However, Susie wasn’t the only
bear cub to live on campus. There were many that once set paw on campus, like Lady
Clio.
2. Our Mascot Almost Changed!
Speaking of mascots, McKendree’s almost changed in the 1960s! A college board member
questioned the student body, “What is a Bearcat?” He felt that with such outstanding
thinkers and athletic teams, McKendree students should be called something more heroic
and bold. He came up with “The Circuit Riders.” But after lots of brainstorming, no
name could beat the Bearcats.
3. The Prized Bothwell Chapel Bell
Standing high and tall is the steeple of Bothwell Chapel. Every half hour, the ancient
1200-year-old bell echoes throughout campus. This bell is not just one of the oldest
bells in Illinois; it’s actually one of the oldest in all of North America, originating
from Spain! Now you may be wondering, how did it get here? The story goes that in
1858, it was brought to the Illinois State Fair in Centralia and purchased by women
in Lebanon for just 60 dollars! What a deal!
4. McKendree Regiment of 1862
Dating back to 1862, in the heart of the Civil War, many members of McKendree courageously
joined the 117th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment to serve our country. In fact, the year prior,
in 1861, out of the 200 enrolled McKendree students, 150 joined in the war with an
initiative to defend the Union. In addition, the organized regiment was led by General
Risdon M. Moore, one of McKendree’s brave members. To honor the McKendree Regiment
and their service to our country, several trees were planted in the front lawn in
memory of the forever McKendree members lost at war. Every tree holds a special place
in McKendree’s history and heart.
5. Ancient Traditions
With a school as old as McKendree, there are many years of traditions and we’ll bet
you haven’t heard of this wacky one! Each fall semester, the first-year students would
have to wear a beanie to show their newbie status to the college. In doing so, they
had to follow the rules established by the upperclassmen. The only way they could
take off their beanies for the rest of the school year was if the football team won
the homecoming game. But there were high stakes... if they lost, they had to keep
wearing them until Thanksgiving! Now that would be a long semester.
6. The Oldest Building on Campus
Can you guess which building is the oldest building on campus? Its name may give it
away... It’s Old Main! Old Main was originally known as Recitation Hall and had many
offices, rooms for lectures, and two halls for some of McKendree’s renowned literary
societies. Although, in 1828, a great fire burned down the original frame of the buildings
that once stood. The Old Main we see today was constructed in 1850 to replace what
was lost to the fierce flames and was the very first brick building on campus. In
1976, the building gained great recognition and was added to the list as an Illinois
Historic Site and to the National Register for Historic Buildings.
7. Pearson Dining Hall
Over the years, Pearson Hall has been a variety of different things central to campus
life. It has been a dining hall, meeting hall, performance hall, and even a bookstore!
During its days as a dining hall, McKendree students used to serve other students
for work study hours and benefits that went toward their tuition. Even though this
chance has faded away, today, at 1828 Cafe, there are endless opportunities and chances to socialize and get to know your peers!
8. Housing in Clark & Carnegie Halls
To say the least, housing is much different than it used to be. On campus, there actually
used to be separate residence halls for men and women. Can you guess which two halls?
Clark and Carnegie! The two halls, as we know them today, are no longer residence
halls, but rather filled with offices and classrooms. Next time you enter one of the
two buildings, try and picture the setup!
9. Where Our Athletics Began ... in Wildy Hall!
Believe it or not, McKendree’s legacy of athletics all started in Wildy Hall! In 1868,
it was known as the “Athleteon” which was home to a single-story gym for any and all
athletics on campus. The building was originally built for athletics; however, it
was quickly converted to a science hall and later used for administrative purposes,
including financial aid, University communications, and even the President’s office!
10. Long-Lost Lake Beautiful
As you walk on campus from the Marion K. Piper Academic Center to Baker Hall, envision
a quaint and peaceful lake with a rippling surface. There once was a lake in that
exact spot called “Lake Beautiful.” Lake Beautiful was a hotspot where students and
staff alike gathered around to socialize or for a little slice of serenity. However,
toward the middle of the nineteenth century, the draining process began. Today, no
trace of Lake Beautiful can be found on campus, but it will always live on in our
yearbooks and our alumni Bearcats’ hearts.
McKendree surely has a lot of history and facts that will keep you guessing. If you
can’t get enough of our history, head to Holman Library for exclusive digital archives, access to our very own museum, and a detailed guide to McKendree Historic Buildings & Sites. Now, as you walk around campus, imagine what it was like back in the day!
