Within a week of the groundbreaking for the Widener Library the creation of the Harvard University Press for the purpose of publishing works of "high scholarly standards" was announced. But just as Harvard's attempts to distinguish itself further as a university were getting into high gear, discussions on other matters which would become as important were just beginning.
Maj. General Leonard Wood, chief of staff under President Theodore Roosevelt, had come to Harvard in the fall and urged that an adequate military reserve be maintained. The possibility of creating summer training camps was raised and in February, 1913 representatives of the Navy discussed the suggestion at the Union. Both proposals had the endorsement of President Lowell and were applauded in the CRIMSON. But, at the time, there was little reason for students to be preoccupied with these ideas, and most of the intramural debate that winter was concerned with the question of making hockey a major sport.
Shortly before final exams, the War Department announced that it would maintain summer training camps at Gettysburg, Pa., and Monterey, Calif. Apparently there were no salaries, but the CRIMSON announced that expenses would be light and recommended the camps for those who did not have summer plans.
Business As Usual
When the College re-opened in September 1913 the CRIMSON conducted a small debate over the value of business administration courses, which an alumnus had urged Harvard to offer. But in November this was replaced with pleas to President Lowell to lengthen the Christmas recess. And University officials announced that the Class of 1917 was the first Harvard class in which the number of students who prepared at public schools outnumbered those who prepared at private schools.
In July, 1914 the Henley Regatta Grand Challenge Cup was won for the first time by an American crew. Six members of the class of 1916, C.C. Lund, D.P. Morgan, J.W. Middendorf, H.S. Middendorf, J.C Talcott and H.L.F. Kreger were in that crew.
The war in Europe changed the tone of the editorials in the CRIMSON. They became more concerned with America's position in the world and less concerned with the cheering sections at football games. But the manner in which the football team dedicated Yale Bowl by defeating the Elis 36-0 was no small story.
President Lowell opened the new freshmen dormitories in September, 1914, and plans to create a University regiment received his endorsement. On Commencement Day, 1915, the first step of Lowell's plan to add to Harvard's greatness was completed when Widener Library was dedicated.
A year later, as the members of the Class of 1916 returned as seniors, Lowell extended the Christmas vacation. Hoping to make Harvard even more accessible to southerners and westerners he entrusted the administration of entrance exams to the College Entrance Board, the precursor of today's College Entrance Examination Board.
The CRIMSON under the direction of R. H. Stiles, Dwight Ingram and Francis G.C. O'Neil moved into its new building on Plympton St. on Friday, November 19, 1915. On the next, day Captain Edward W. Mahan had the finest day of his football career as he scored four touchdowns to help Harvard defeat 41-0.
In January 1916., 1100 students volunteered for the University regiment which was drilled by a Boston recruiting officer Captain Cordelier. A straw ballot the Spring revealed the changed atmosphere of the College. Theodore Roosevelt defeated President Wilson.
On June 22, 1916 the members of Class of 1916 received their degrees the Stadium on Soldiers Field. Belong some of them like George A. Kinlock would be in Europe.