Troy University Cornerstone collection, 1834-1856, Date acquired: 01/01/1969, bulk 1853-1856

Summary

Creator:

Troy University (Troy, N.Y.)

Abstract:

Pamphlets, broadsides, almanacs, books, journals, newspapers, and a manuscript history of the formation of the Troy University in Troy, New York.

Extent:

2.80 Linear Feet

Language:

English .

Preferred citation:

Troy University Cornerstone collection, #MC 74.  Institute Archives and Special Collections, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY.

Background

Scope and content:

A small but significant portion of this collection (MC 74) documents the formation of the Troy University, including a manuscript history (1856) outlining its origins and the individuals responsible for its early development.  Several pamphlets (1853-1854) outline its fund raising efforts and goals, while a newspaper clipping (1853) identifies community leaders who actively supported locating the university in Troy.  Additional pamphlets (1850-1856) represent many of the area's religious, educational, civic, and charitable organizations, several of which were connected to the Methodist Episcopal Church.  The cornerstone also held a variety of local, regional and national publications, including four almanacs, a bible, Methodist Episcopal titles, twenty five newspaper issues, and miscellaneous books.

Biographical / historical:

The Troy University was a short-lived educational institution run by the Methodist Episcopal Church as a non-denominational Christian academic institution.  It was founded in the mid-1850s by religious and civic leaders from Troy and Charlotteville, New York, who raised funds through subscriptions, or pledges, to support the construction of a substantial building.  Ground was broken in 1856, and on October 1 of that year its cornerstone was laid.

The school's first students were admitted in 1858, but the university failed financially after graduating only one class in 1862.  The property was sold to the Catholic Church and converted to a Provincial Theological Seminary.  In 1958 the site was purchased by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, which owned much of the surrounding property.  The Institute tore down the deteriorated building in 1969.  During demolition, the marble cornerstone was found embedded in an interior wall; its contents were in excellent condition after their 113 year entombment.

Unlike time capsules, which are meant to be opened in the future, cornerstones serve a much more symbolic purpose.  They embody the aspirations of the people associated with the new building, and are meant to imbue the structure with the values represented by the buried materials.  The values represented by the contents of the Troy University cornerstone – education, religion, philanthropy, culture – continued to reflect the use of the building throughout its existence.

Note written by

Acquisition information:

Archie Garrison

Gift

Custodial history:

These materials were found in a lead-encased tin box within a marble slab when the Troy University building was demolished in 1969.  Demolition contractor Archie Garrison donated the contents to Rensselaer.

Processing information:

Much of this collection was dispersed into various collections, including the Subject File, SCIT books, RPI Catalogs, Herrington Almanac Collection (1976-9), and the Fixman Collection (MC 2).  Most of the separated materials were returned to the Cornerstone Collection in 2011.  Two volumes remain in the SCIT book collection, while two items have not been located.

Arrangement:

This collection is organized in three series:

Series I. Troy University documents:  Arranged chronologically.

Series II. Pamphlets and promotional materials:  Arranged alphabetically by the name of the organization.

Series III. Books and periodicals:  Organized by type of material.

Rules or conventions:

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Related

Related material:

Additional materials regarding the Troy University can be found in the following collections:  Delta Kappa Epsilon Minute Book, #2008-31; Subject Files for St. Joseph's Seminary, Troy University, and University Building; Photograph Collection, #AC 19; Postcard Collection, #AC 15.

Also, the Skilton Family Papers, # MC 22, contain the following Troy University items:  A letter from the Rev. L. Barber to James Avery Skilton, and two documents regarding subscriptions (Box 1, Folder 10); an invitation to the cornerstone laying ceremony (Box 15, Folder 17).

Separated material:

Two volumes are cataloged and shelved with the SCIT book collection: KFX 2459.07x and PS 549.T7 G6.  Two other items which appeared in the original inventory have not been located.

Indexed terms

Subjects:

Troy University (Troy, N.Y.) -- History
Universities and colleges -- New York (State) -- Troy
Books
Periodicals
Pamphlets
Promotional materials

Names:

Methodist Episcopal Church

Preferred citation:

Troy University Cornerstone collection, #MC 74.  Institute Archives and Special Collections, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY.

Location of this collection:

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Institute Archives and Special Collections

Folsom Library

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

110 Eighth St

Troy, NY 12180, United States

Link to repository site

Contact:

518-276-8340