August 14, 1871
Henry S. Lehr established the Northwestern Ohio Normal School in the village of Johnstown, later to be renamed Ada after the postmaster’s daughter. 147 students were enrolled; six instructors were employed. The
August 14, 1871
Henry S. Lehr established the Northwestern Ohio Normal School in the village of Johnstown, later to be renamed Ada after the postmaster’s daughter. 147 students were enrolled; six instructors were employed. The term Normal was descriptive of the education of teachers for the public school system.
The Department of Fine Art was established. The first professors were Mrs. Mary M. Lehmann, painting, and F.C. Fryett, drawing. A total of 17 students were enrolled in the program.
The catalog described the department as “a new feature of the institution, which has lately been introduced. The art of drawing and sketching is almost indispensable to success in primary teaching. It is the same to the teacher of natural history. In fact, drawing, sketching and drafting are not only accomplishments, but are useful in nearly every calling of life. Drawing and painting educate the hand and eye, cultivate a love of the beautiful, and refine our natures. Special attention will be given to perspective and Blackboard Drawing to those preparing themselves for teaching school; while all the other branches, as Oil Painting, Crayon, Water Coloring, and India Inking, will be given proper attention.”
In the department of fine art, 89 students were enrolled with students taking courses in four programs:
• portrait: 6 students
• landscape: 18 students
• crayon: 1 student
• drawing: 49 students
Tuition for fine art students was:
• pencil drawing, 50 lessons: $3
• crayon, 30 lessons: $8
• water colors, 30 lessons: $8
• oil painting, landscape, 30 lessons of 40 hours each, $10
• oil painting, portrait, 30 lessons of 4 hours each: $12
• India ink, 30 lessons: $5
57 students were enrolled in the fine art department; 169 students were enrolled in courses.
The first graduates from the fine art department were Virginia S. Mercer of Columbiana County, Ohio and Lottie McAdams of Logan County, Ohio.
The institution’s name was changed from Northwestern Ohio Normal School to Ohio Normal University. The new name reflected that students represented all geographic areas of the state.
Students’ fine art work was selected for inclusion in a university exhibit at the World’s Columbian Exhibition held in Chicago; the exhibit won a ribbon and a bronze metal.
The institution’s name was changed from Ohio Normal University to Ohio Northern University. The newer name reflected major academic changes underway. The name change also preserved the designation of the institution’s initials, “ONU.”
The department’s name was changed to the College of Fine Arts.
Hiram P. Whinnery was appointed the first dean of the College of Fine Arts.
Major course of studies included Pa