The first time Stephenville tried to raise money for a college failed in 1891. In May of 1893 the Empire editor published a series of articles in an attempt to convince Stephenville investors to fund the effort. Not enough residents approved the idea arguing that such a proposal would not bring a return on their money. Continued newspaper editorials finally convinced ten residents to fund the college by subscriptions. The hope was that there would be at least fifty students that would generate $11,000 to $14,000 to local businesses and farmers each year. A two-story wooden building (shown above in a 1901 photo) was built for the fall of 1893, it had an upstairs auditorium, four classrooms downstairs, along with offices and two studios. The building was located in an area now known as Heritage Park at Tarleton University. The building cost about $6, 500, $2,225 less than the money raised by subscriptions and they had to get a mortgage. Marshall McIllhany was named president. Tuition was $4.00 and the course included mathematics, Moral Sciences, Ancient and Modern Languages, Literature, Music and Art. There were elementary and preparatory levels as well. The first year had 100 students ranging in age from ten to fifty. There was never enough money because those holding subscriptions refused to pay. McIllhany published an article in the paper to raise funds: “As far as we can we will take cattle, hogs, corn, baled oats, and other farm products in payment for your tuition.” The college went into default and was sold at auction on March 5, 1895. Robert H. Downman bought the property for $1,500. John Tarleton died in 1895. Money form his estate bought half of the Stephenville College property for $1, 250 on March 12, 1896. Professor McIllhany became the first president. The Stephenville College building, later known as “College Hall,” was torn down in 1915. Eric Larsen, “Stephenville College,” Texas State Historical Association, tasaoline.org

May 16, 1896: “The Stephenville College held closing exercises ” and also the career of that college ended but on the same spot and in the same building, by the same faculty and with the same high aim in view – that od making this a brighter, better world, we hope to see an institution of another name prosper – John Tarleton College. The school, to be run by Professor McIllhany, will open after 1897 when the endowment has time to yield enough interest to operate the school.” Stephenville Empire

1932: Tarleton coeds voted this month to continue to wear blue chambray uniforms: “The chambray – so practical for wearing in chemistry and food labs, and so convenient for getting to an 8:00 class – has won a place in the girls’ affections from which it will not be ousted.” Stephenville Empire-Tribune

Virginia Yearwood, longtime Tarleton professor, told me that she was the first Tarleton student to be disciplined for wearing pants on the campus in the 1930s.