Building a University: Vanderbilt's Second Decade, 1885-1895

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Vanderbilt’s second decade, 1886-1895, was a time of rapid change for the fledgling university. There was a rising population of female and international students, as well as broadening of extracurriculars such as athletics, Greek organizations, and student clubs. Figures such as Charles Soong and Stella Vaughn created lasting legacies at the university during this decade for their prolific and influential work. The longest running student publications, the Comet (later renamed The Commodore) and The Hustler, Vanderbilt’s student newspaper, were founded in 1887 and 1888, respectively. The first form of student government – the West Side Court – was established a few years later in 1891 to adjudicate disputes between young men living in the six dormitory cottages which made up West Side Row. Modern student life harkens back to the student experiences first witnessed during this decade.

“Gas Canister and Firecrackers, from the West Side Club”

Creator The Comet

Publisher Nashville: Fraternities of Vanderbilt University

Date 1887

Source Vanderbilt University Publications, Vanderbilt University Special Collections

The members of the West Side Club, a social club for students living on the west side of campus, were known to be rather high-spirited. As such, for their listing in the school yearbook, The Comet, they decided their best representation was a gas canister next to firecrackers.

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