The OkieLegacy

Castle On The Hill
1937 The Ranger Annual
Northwestern State Teachers' College

Geography - Agriculture - Geology

by - Mrs. Anna Noble

Professor A. G. Vinson came to Northwestern in 1905. That year he taught a variety of subjects. In 1906 he was placed at the head of the Geography department. When Oklahoma became a State in 1907, agriculture was added to his department. In 1915 Geology was introduced in a rather unique manner. A few students became interested in the subject and persuaded Mr. Vinson to offer one course a year in this science. A great deal of interest was created and Geology became a permanent factor in Northwestern's curriculum.

The original home room of the department was in the Science Hall. When the "Castle on the Hill" was destroyed by fire the equipment of the department withstood the elements and emerged practically intact. The rock specimens loomed above the ruins as a mute witness that Mother Nature could not be destroyed b y the petty caprices of her children.

This division might be considered as Northwestern's travel department. Starting with Geology, one travels to the scene of the sun's disaster. A passing star created havoc in his affairs by drawing many particles from his great mass which cumulated and formed the lesser bodies of the solar system. These formations are visited as a part of the universe but one lingers on the earth which is more accessible than the other bodies. It is explored in regard to the formation, arrangement and internal structure of its rocks; the chronological account of its history as revealed by fossil formations in its rock strata; and the causes and processes of its geological changes.

Passing on to the Geography department, travelers make flights into the air; take excursions over land and sea; observe the distribution of animal life; and visit the several races of men engaged in their various activities. He becomes impressed with the evidence of the supremacy of man which is demonstrated by his mastery of the earth and his efficient forms of self-government.

The return trip is made by way of the Agriculture department. Here each traveler observes the proper method of cultivating the ground; harvesting crops; raising and managing stock; and converting all of earth's and man's resources into the proper form for human use. After the journey is completed the travelers discuss its value. All agree that one of the most permanent results of the trip is that idefinable acquisition which each has acquired from the influence of their beloved guide.

Occasionally a member of the party cannot successfully partake of the guide's "Jollifications" and "five course lunchions," but so great is his confidence in the ability and fairness of the leader that he enrolls with the next party of travelers and eventually reaches the goal.

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