The Founding of an Institution:
East Carolina Teachers Training School 1907-1921

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Brochure for the first of four exhibits created for the ECU Centennial. The exhibit was on display in the Special Collections Department February - September 2006

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THE FOUNDING OF AN INSTITUTION:
EAST CAROLINA TEACHERS TRAINING SCHOOL
1907-1921

Exhibit Case 1: Groundbreaking and Charter

The items in this first case illustrate the humble beginnings of East Carolina Teachers Training School. ECTTS was chartered on March 8, 1907. Greenville was chosen as the location for the new educational institution on July 11 of that year and groundbreaking ceremonies were held on July 2, 1908.

Under the direction of President Robert Wright, ECTTS continued to grow during its twelve years as a training school. Attendance multiplied, new structures were built, and student organizations and sports were incorporated.

Items seen in this case:

• Groundbreaking photo (Governor Jarvis is holding the shovel.)
• Seals used by ECTTS for documents and library materials
• Spoon engraved with “ECTTS”
• Photo from newspaper clipping regarding the commission of ECTTS.
• Cartoon illustrating Greenville as the location choice for the new school.
• Bound ledger featuring the oaths of office for the Board of Trustees
• Slogan
• Invitation to 3rd Anniversary of Groundbreaking.
• Brick from the original Austin building (Administration building constructed in 1909 and demolished later in the ‘60s.)
• Sports trophies won by ECTTS teams.
• Panoramic view of the ECTTS campus featuring the Austin building (1910-1919).

Exhibit Case 2: ECTTS Campus 1909-1921

This case features images of the ECTTS campus up to its conversion to East Carolina Teachers College. The campus primarily consisted of two dorms, an administrative building, a power plant, dining hall, and infirmary. Also shown are images of the president’s house and panoramic views of the immediate area.

Images in this case:

• Power Plant
• Austin Building (Administrative)
• Jarvis Dormitory
• President’s House
• “Bird’s Eye View” of campus
• Panoramic view of 5th Street (colored drawing)
• Wilson Dormitory

Exhibit Case 3: Faculty and Students

This case features items reflecting the people of ECTTS -- the faculty and students. The first class to graduate from ECTTS was the Class of 1911, and the last was the Class of 1921. The 1909 faculty consisted of 11 members (including President Wright).

First faculty members: Pres. Wright Mamie Jenkins, Sara Davis, Maria Graham, Kate Lewis, William Ragsdale, Birdie McKinney, Claude Wilson, Jennie Ogden, and Fanny Bishop.

Items in this case:

• Photo of 1909 faculty members
• Photo of Class of 1913
• Photo of Class of 1920
• Photo of 1909 faculty and students in front of Austin
• Photos of female students on Jarvis Dorm lawn
• Photo of female faculty members
• Commencement Program-1911
• Commencement Invitation-1921

Exhibit Case 4: President Robert Herring Wright

This case is dedicated to ECTTS' first president. Wright held this prominent position in the ECTTS community until his death in 1934. His dedication to the education of teachers fueled his vision for a cutting-edge institution of higher learning for the rural regions of eastern North Carolina. Beloved by all, President Wright’s legacy continues to this day, 100 years later.

Items in this case:

• Biographical sketch of Dr. Wright
• Portrait of Dr. Wright
• Wright’s Speeches (handwritten and typed)
• Handwritten cards featuring notes from Dr. Wright's "Chapel Talks"
• Photo of his wife, Pearl, and their four children. Each of the children attended East Carolina, and Mrs. Wright was a very active member of the ECTTS community.
• Dr. Wright's Bible. This is still used when inaugurating new Chancellors for the University.

Exhibit Case 5: Dr. Wright's Ceremonial Robe

This case features the doctoral regalia worn by Dr. Wright during official ceremonies. President Wright received his BA from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1897 and attended John Hopkins University from 1901-1902.

Exhibit Case 6: Pearl Wright's Wedding Dress

This case features the wedding gown of President’s Wright’s wife, Pearl. She wore the gown on their wedding day, December 31, 1902. There is also a copy of her bridal portrait beside the case. Bridal photo of Pearl Wright

Exhibit Case 7: Student Life

This case illustrates the student activities available at ECTTS. Sports teams, literary Societies, SGA, student theater productions, and socials.

Items in case:

• Photo of 1915 Basketball team
• Photo of Cross Country Walking Team
• Photo of Tennis Team
• Photo of Women’s Basketball Coach, E. Pugh
• Photo of first SGA officers (1921)
• Program from student theater production
• Souvenir program from 1912 reception
• Logo for Edgar Allan Poe Society
• Logo for Sidney Lanier Society

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I would like to offer a special thanks to Suellyn Lathrop, University Archivist, for her much needed assistance in navigating the materials in Archives for this exhibit. Her patience, knowledge, and resourcefulness were a tremendous asset in developing this exhibit.

CREDITS

• Exhibit Curator: Adrienne Dunning Rea
• Exhibit Research, Design and Installation: Adrienne Dunning Rea

SOURCES

• All exhibit items are from the University Archives collections of Joyner Library unless otherwise noted.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call: 252-328-6671 or 2661
http://www.ecu.edu/cs-lib/spclcoll/index.cfm

Individuals with disabilities, requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), should contact the Department for Disability Support Services at (252) 328-6799 (V) or (252) 328-0899 (TTY)