Happy birthday, Heidelberg!

Q: Heidelberg College was founded on Nov. 11, 1850. What other major international event occurred on Nov. 11, 1918? Fun facts about the college’s history tested the knowledge of the campus community who attended the annual celebration of Founders Day on Monday. College archivists Bob and Dorothy Berg set up displays in the Aramark Room featuring photos, artifacts and letters marking Heidelberg’s milestones, campus buildings, former students, organizations and important events.

Of course, there was birthday cake to share, as well as a quiz. By the way, the answer to the above question: Armistice Day ended World War I on Nov. 11, 1918.

Here are a few other quiz questions.

  1. Founders Hall, remodeled and renamed in 1930, was the first building on Heidelberg’s campus. What was its earlier name?
  2. E.V. Gerhard was the first president of Heidelberg. F. Dominic Dottavio is the _____th president?
  3. Heidelberg’s first graduating class was in 1854 and had two students. In what year did the first woman graduate?
  4. What present-day literary society, founded in 1851, is the oldest?
  5. During what years was Heidelberg known as Heidelberg University.
  6. This year the college is celebrating 50 years of association with Aramark Food Service. In 2008, what program will celebrate its 50th anniversary?
  7. Beeghly Library celebrated its 40th birthday in October 2007. What older campus building, funded in part by a gift from Andrew Carnegie and dedicated in 1912, served as the former library?
  8. Heidelberg played and won its first intercollegiate football game with a score of 20-0 on Nov. 15, 1892. Which college was the opponent?
  9. Recently reacquired by Heidelberg through a gift is the house at 297 E. Perry St. What is architecturally unusual about the house?

ANSWERS: 1. Old Heidelberg. 2. 13th. 3. Margaret J. Shelman in 1854. 4. Excelsior Society. 5. from 1890-1926. 6. The American Junior Year program at Heidelberg, Germany. 7. Pfleiderer Center for the Humanities. 8. Findlay College. 9. It is an octagon.

Posted November 12, 2007