One hundred years ago…

Student Life, the precursor to The Utah Statesman, ran a short article titled “Things Musical.” It included information about the marching band and its 17 pieces, including “a strong lead of cornets and a battery of trombones, besides plenty of brass and harmony.”

The article goes on to say, “With concerted practice it is anticipated that before the end of the year, the band will be one of the most praise-worthy organizations of the college and it will well merit the support of the school.”

In the January 1903 issue, there was news about class unity. The seniors and juniors sent out a “Proclamation to the Insignificant and Inferior Freshman and Sophomores,” explaining rules the underclassmen should follow. They challenged their fellow students to engage in class rivalry, such as basketball games pitting freshmen against sophomores or debating contests between seniors and juniors.

An editorial praised the addition of winter courses, because 75 more students enrolled at the Agricultural College of Utah. It also expressed anxiety about the Legislature. Much like today, students hoped their college would receive the appropriation it asked for.

Winter courses began Jan. 6, 1903, and there was no tuition. However, there was an annual registration fee of $5 for students to take courses from the college’s 47 professors.

–Compiled by Joseph M. Dougherty