[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 45 (Thursday, March 28, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S3164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO PLYMOUTH STATE COLLEGE ON THEIR 125TH ANNIVERSARY

   Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Plymouth State College on the occasion of their 125th anniversary. I 
would like to congratulate this outstanding educational institution on 
reaching such an important milestone. The trustees, faculty, and 
students should be proud of the academic excellence and high education 
standards the college represents; not just in the State of New 
Hampshire but all over New England.
  Located in the foothills of the White Mountains in New Hampshire, 
Plymouth State College, originally named the Plymouth Normal School, 
first opened its doors on March 15, 1871 to 80 students pursuing 
teaching degrees. Today, over 125 years later, 4,000 students attend 
Plymouth State College, pursuing degrees in the performing arts, the 
sciences, social work, languages, humanities, interdisciplinary 
studies, the social sciences, business, and many other academic fields.
  The history of Plymouth State College originally stemmed from the 
Holmes Plymouth Academy, which dates back to 1808, as one of the first 
teaching institutions in New England. In 1871, the academy buildings 
were presented to the State of New Hampshire and the campus was renamed 
the Plymouth Normal School. The school began to grow at a steady rate 
during the late 1800's. Rounds Hall, which included a library and 
classrooms, was dedicated in August 1891. The growth of the Normal 
School under Dr. Charles C. Rounds caused the State legislature to 
appropriate funds for a new dormitory called Normal Hall. During the 
turn of the century, the enrollment of the Normal School increased, 
approaching 150 students.
  From 1911 to 1946, Dr. Ernest Silver served as the college's 
principal. In 1911, Dr. Silver hired the famous American poet and New 
Hampshire native, Robert L. Frost, to teach psychology and the history 
of education. Robert Frost also shared Dr. Silver's residence, a house 
opposite Normal Hall that had recently been purchased. During Dr. 
Silver's administration, the school saw another period of campus 
expansion and modernization including the opening of the new training 
school providing added space in Rounds Hall for manual training and 
other classes. Two new dormitories were constructed, a modern library 
was built, and facilities for recreation and physical education were 
improved.
  In 1939, Plymouth Normal School changed its name again to Plymouth 
Teacher's College. Construction and expansion increased during the 
1950's and the new Lamson Library was built across Highland Street in 
1964. Boyd Hall, a new fieldhouse and gym were built in 1968 and 1969. 
The fieldhouse contains an indoor track, gymnasium, swimming pool, and 
other facilities for the physical education program at the college.
  Just last year, the Hartman Union Building opened its new facility on 
the property where the old high school once stood. This student center 
contains a full-size court, weight room, snackbar, bookstore, the 
college radio station, the college newspaper, a sidewalk cafe, complete 
U.S. Postal Mail Service, and many more student services.
  Most recently, Plymouth State College added a business program to the 
numerous choices of degrees students can pursue at the college. Today's 
president of the college, Donald Wharton, believes that every student 
must receive a strong education and specialized instruction in a 
particular field. The faculty and staff at Plymouth State College are 
proud of the fine reputation the teaching program has received over the 
years, and the specialized degrees in liberal arts majors.
  Congratulations to 125 years of academic excellence. Plymouth State 
College has provided outstanding instruction and a superior learning 
environment for New Hampshire students for years. Best wishes for 
continued success and expansion in the years to come.

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