Vanderbilt University Archives, located in the general library building of the Jean and Alexander Heard Library, is a repository for relics large and small. Found items, donated pieces and miscellaneous artifacts – usually, but not always, Vanderbilt-related – are catalogued and stored there for safekeeping. Here are a few items culled from the vault, including some rare Commencement-related treasures. Look for complete coverage of Vanderbilt’s Commencement activities in the "View’s" June issue.
research by Lyle Lankford, university historian
items selected by Kathleen Smith, associate university archivist
photography by John Russell
Walking cane – This wooden walking cane with engraved handle is inscribed: “Rev. W. F. Tillett from J.R.J.” William Fisk Tillett, a Southern Methodist, came to Vanderbilt in 1882 as chaplain of the university. Appointed dean of the Biblical department in 1886, he continued in the post for 33 years. Tillett Lounge in the Divinity School is named for him.
Class roll – This card, decorated with an embroidered “Vanderbilt” ribbon, contains the names of the 1892 graduates of the law department. It was likely used in connection with a Commencement invitation or the ceremony itself.
Matriculation card – Issued to Nettie May Jackson of Nashville for the 1905-06 academic year, this matriculation card is signed by bursar M.E. Holderness and Chancellor James Kirkland. The back of the card acknowledges receipt of $10 “deposited as caution money,” in essence to insure against any damages or losses of university property incurred by the student and refundable at the end of the year. The card also could be used for admission to special lectures at the university.
Commencement ribbon and program – This ribbon and program are from Commencement on June 17, 1903, when exercises were held in the chapel on the third floor of College Hall (now Kirkland Hall). The gold ribbon may have been worn by students to designate them as graduating seniors.
Freshman beanie – In a tradition begun in the early 1900s, Vanderbilt freshmen were expected by upperclassmen to wear felt beanies to designate their first-year status. The hats were usually worn until December of the freshman year, or could be removed if Vanderbilt won that
fall’s homecoming game. The tradition ended in the fall of 1966.
Vault key – This key belonging to William Henry Calhoun, a Nashville jeweler before the Civil War, opened his store’s vault. Calhoun’s daughter, Mary Etta Calhoun Foote, left a bequest to Vanderbilt in 1918 that would provide half the funds to build Calhoun Hall in 1928.
Commencement invitation – This invitation for Commencement exercises on June 18, 1890, was sent by students to family and friends. An image of University Hall (now Kirkland Hall) appears at the top, with the profile of Cornelius Vanderbilt near the left center. It is adorned with a black and gold ribbon and the admonition “No Flowers.”
For more treasures from the archives, click here.
Posted 05/01/08
