One Aggie’s Perspective on Some Cowboy History OAMC/OSU . Journey From Where We Were to Where We Are

RUN OF 1889 – Officially opened Unassigned Lands (became Oklahoma Territory) – 1st of 17 Openings

Oklahoma Territory Agricultural and Mechanical College Established Christmas Day, 1890 Robert Barker appointed First President 1891-1894

FIRST CLASSES MET HERE DECEMBER 14, 1891! 35 STUDENTS IN COLLEGE PREP STUDIES

The “Cow College” Needed Barns & A Watering Hole

OAMC’S FIRST PERMANENT BUILDING Dedicated 1894

FIRST GRADUATES 1896 3 Were sons of 3 families that sold portions of land claims for OAMC Campus

THE “PRINCETON OF THE PRAIRIE” 1900 OSU’s colors were the first chosen in the late 1890’s.  The selection of orange and black was a tribute to a popular faculty member whose father was a Princeton graduate.  Students adopted Princeton’s orange and black colors and some of the school's first athletic teams were even referred to as the “Tigers” in the early 1900’s.

A Student Industrial Arts Class Project EARLY ATHLETIC FACILITIES: A Student Industrial Arts Class Project

OSU TULSA 1999

Frank “Pistol Pete” Eaton A legendary lawman and all around interesting character. In 1920’s students Persuaded him to be model for OAMC mascot

Today’s Pistol Pete continues to build legends, including being named America’s most unusual mascot in a national competition

THE WATERING HOLE IS NOW THETA POND

But “Livestock” & Uses Changed

President Truman named Dr President Truman named Dr. Henry Bennett first Director of Point 4 Program (now USAID). Emperor of Ethiopia requested OAMC assistance in setting up similar college in his country.

Dr. Henry Bennett devised a 25 YEAR PLAN for location and style of new construction. Still used as a guide today

GI Bill changed the profile of OAMC Freshmen GI Bill changed the profile of OAMC Freshmen. They were older, most had families and they descended upon Stillwater in droves - 5919 in 1947, more than ½ of student body.

“Vet Village” Sprang up in the Northwest Portion of Campus -Literally a city within a city, with its own mayor, Post Office and commissary -1,290 housing units -5000 residents

OAMC: A BORROWED CHURCH, 35 PREP STUDENTS IN 1891 5 OSU CAMPUSES, 35,000+ STUDENTS IN 2012

OSU Institute of Technology in Okmulgee 1946

OSU OKC 1961

OSU Center for Health Sciences 1988

OSU TULSA 1999