Bethany: Mammy Institute, Black Mammy Institute in Athens, Search for similar institutions in Atlanta
Glenn: African American/Black Education, Domestic Education, Samuel F. Lewis
Rebekah: Racial backgrounds of the administration, fate of the institute, black mammy memorial association
Darcy: Barrow (UGA Chancellor), Knox Institute, Athens High and Industrial School
The Sundial was gift from the graduating Class of 1908 and was erected in a very important spot on campus. A few months before graduation a lightening bolt struck the famous “Toombs’ Oak” in front of the chapel and felled it. The tree was made famous by the legend that Robert Toombs gave a speech so moving under that tree during graduation events inside the chapel that everyone inside left to hear the young orator. This was controversial because Toombs, an excellent student, had been expelled a few years earlier for fighting. He later went on to become Secretary of State for the Confederacy. The Sundial was put on that famous spot to mark it for future generations. The face of the dial was replaced with an accurate reproduction that still have all the original detail; detail that can now be appreciated without 100 plus years worth of weathering.
Candler Hall was built in 1901 as a residence hall for students at the University. It was named after Allen D. Chandler, then Governor of the State. Prior to his appointment to public office Chandler was a Colonel in the Confederate Army where he fought in many large battles of the war such as Vicksburg, Kennesaw Mountain, and Atlanta. Upon returning home to Georgia Candler built upon his legal education which he received from Mercer University and sought public office. Candler was of the belief that the Democratic Party was to be a “white only” party and that it had the right to exclude African Americans. He did do a great service to the state in his last decade of life through his compilation 30 volumes of Georgia History. Today the building serves as the main office for the School of Public and International Affairs.
