Torch, Spring 1987: Centennial Issue

Dr. Wilbur McChesney 1915-1940 Dr. Donald F. Kyle Dr. Donald F. Kyle was a mem– ber of the Presbyterian Board of Trustees of Cedarville College at the time the institution was trans– ferred to the Baptist administra– tion. An alumnus, this "dean of country medicine" has been a committed friend of the college for over 50 years, the entire period of his medical practice in the village of Cedarville and sur– rounding area. As the only physician in Cedar– ville, he treated thousands of patients, some in several gener– ations of families, with no con– cern for himself or for financial gain. He served as physician for the college during most of the years of his practice. Cedarville College named him Alumnus of the Year in 1972. When Dr. Paul Dixon conferred the Doctor of Humanities degree upon Dr. Kyle during the 1986 commencement exercises, he described the kindly doctor as being "an individual with admira– ble dedication, an unselfish nature, willing to give of his time, his abilities, his energy to help his community...only God knows how he loved the students and how much he has invested so that these students could have scholarships to attend Cedar– ville." People in the Cedarville area miss visiting Dr. Kyle in his office. However, in his retirement he continues to take part in the activities of the college and com– munity that he has served for so many years. 8 Walter Smith Kilpatrick 1940-1942 Dr. Ira D. Vayhinger 1943-1950 HISTORICAL DATA E.H. Miller 1950-1953 1887 Jan. 26. State of Ohio charters Cedarville College under auspices of the Reformed Presbyterian Church . 1894 Sept. 19. Cedarville College begins first year of classes for 32 students , twice the number expected . Tuition for the school year was $20. Dr. David McKinney , first president. 1895 Old Main erected at cost of $14,000. Enrollment 67. 1897 First Commencement; five graduates 1903 Alford Auditorium (a local church building) donated , used as gymnasium. 1908 Teacher education program begins. Library, donated by Andrew Carnegie, constructed to service both college and community. 1915 Dr. Wilbur Renwick McChesney , second president. Summer school instituted to help local teachers work toward degree; 138 attend the first summer. 1923 Science (Collins) Hall constructed at cost of $40,000. 1927 Alford remodeled: seating for 700 in assemblies , for 100 at athletic events; stage, kitchen . 1928 Enrollment 171 - peak during McChesney 's administration. 1940 Walter Smith Kilpatrick third president. Harriman Hall purchased for $7500 for women's dormitory. 1941 Enrollment 138. 1943 Dr. Ira D. Vayhinger, fourth president. Each May Cedar Day brought the college and community together. The queen and her court reigned over thef es– tivities which included parades, bands, a community picnic, and the May Pole Dance. The Cedar Day Activity pic– tured took place sometime in the 20' s. The grove ofspruce treesjust behind the queen's throne remains a landmark on campus located between the College Center and Williams Hall .