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Any photos not otherwise credited are from the personal collection of Frank Passic, Albion Historian.
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Morning Star, October 10, 2021, pg. 8 It was 100 years ago this month that Dr. John Wesley Laird (1882-1966) was inaugurated as the 9th President of Albion College. He replaced the long serving staunch prohibitionist Dr. Samuel Dickie (1851-1925). The two-day inauguration was held October 25 and 26, 1921, and featured numerous notable speakers, including Michigan college presidents and Methodist Church officials. There was a stark difference between Dr. Dickie and Dr. Laird. Laird was an energetic man who pushed for change. In his book "The Albion College Sesquicentennial History 1835-1985," Dr. Keith Fennimore writes (pg. 454): "President Laird was nevertheless a vigorous advocate of creative change. One of his first steps upon assuming office was to transform the casual structure of the Dickie administration into a modern business-like operation." Unfortunately, Dr. Laird’s term at the College was filled with various incidents and controversies concerning his leadership, decisions, and policies. There were also several fires on campus during his short tenure. One particular incident of several that drew attention from those at the College concerned a letter addressed to "The President of Albion College" allegedly minus the specific name of that President on the front of the envelope. Fennimore writes (Pg. 483). "While on a train trip to Chicago, Dr. Laird struck up an acquaintance with a lively lady who later wrote him a playful letter about the encounter. By error the letter went to ex-President Dickie, who was properly shocked by the innuendoes he read into the note. Soon the gossip mill began to grind, and the grist grew measurably as the press descended in search of copy." Things culminated on January 19, 1924 during the morning chapel service. Fennimore continues (Pg. 481) "The moment President Laird appeared on the platform…he was greeted by a prearranged chorus of hissing, boos, catcalls, and stomping of feet. After some ten minutes, he turned, left the stage, walked out of the Chapel and out of Albion College. He never returned." From our Historical Notebook this week we present a photograph of Albion College President Dr. John W. Laird dressed in his modern-day business suit, sitting on a campus rock. For further reading about Dr. Laird’s saga, check out chapter 19 entitled "The Blight of Suspicion," in Fennimore’s book. To our readers of this column, when is the last time you have been on the campus of Albion College? There have been many improvements in recent years.  Albion College President Dr. John W. Laird
All text copyright, 2024 © all rights reserved Frank Passic
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