Culver-Stockton College Football History
Culver-Stockton College, a private Christian liberal arts college in Canton, Missouri, boasts a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1853. Originally named Christian University, the institution holds the distinction of being the first co-educational institution of higher learning west of the Mississippi River. While the college is known for its academic programs and commitment to student development, its athletic programs, particularly football, have also contributed to the institution's identity and legacy.
Early History and Founding
In the 1850s, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) leaders, including Pat Henderson, sought to establish an institution for the education of both male and female students. Henderson described the chosen location as a place "on the summit of two of a circle of hills, divided by a vale so virgin in its primitive luxuriance of forest and tangled wood that twilight lingers at midday beneath its bough, are to arise the structures dedicated to the equal culture of the male and female mind." In 1853, the State of Missouri granted a charter to establish Christian University, and classes commenced in 1855.
The early years of Christian University were marked by challenges, including the Civil War. Federal troops occupied the school's building, Old Main, twice between 1861 and 1862, using it as a base for military operations. This occupation resulted in significant damage to the building and disruption to college activities, nearly leading to the institution's demise.
Revival and Renaming
Under the leadership of B. H. Smith, the college reopened in 1865. However, it was not until Carl Johann became president in 1902 that the institution experienced significant financial and physical progress. In 1917, the college changed its name to Culver-Stockton College to honor donors Mary Culver and Robert Stockton.
Football Program Development
While specific details on the earliest years of the football program are scarce, it is evident that athletics played a significant role in student life at Culver-Stockton. The construction of Ellison A. Poulton Memorial Stadium in 1948 marked a major milestone for the football program. The stadium was dedicated in 1953 to Ellison A. Poulton, a Culver-Stockton alumnus who played on the football team and left a substantial bequest to the college.
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The first football game played in Poulton Stadium was on September 18, 1948, with Monmouth College defeating the Wildcats 12-6. The stadium dedication occurred during the centennial homecoming on October 17, 1953. In 2003, the Roy D. Wilcox Memorial Pressbox replaced the original one-room press box built in 1953, enhancing the game-day experience for media and fans.
Facilities and Growth
Culver-Stockton historically considered the physical fitness of the student body a high priority. Johnson Hall, originally called Culver-Stockton Hall, was built in 1912 as a "co-educational" residence hall. It featured a 50 x 79 foot gymnasium with 25-foot high ceilings on the main floor and a swimming pool measuring 20 by 58 feet in the basement. These facilities underscore the college's commitment to athletics and student well-being.
Modern Era
Culver-Stockton College competes in 21 intercollegiate varsity sports, including football. The athletic teams are known as the Wildcats. The college is a member of an athletic conference that provides a competitive environment for its student-athletes.
Other Important Buildings
Most of the buildings on today's Culver-Stockton campus have been built since 1937. The first building on Culver-Stockton Campus was Old Main, known today as Henderson Hall. Construction began in 1853 and was completed in 1855. The building was destroyed by fire on March 23, 1903. The new building was completed and occupied by May 15, 1904, at a final cost of $42,000. The dome on Henderson Hall continues to be an important symbol of the college to this day.
Johnson Hall originally was called Culver-Stockton Hall when it was built in 1912 as a "co-educational" residence hall. A $250,000 renovation of Culver-Stockton Hall was part of a development drive called Project Renaissance in 1979. The Board of Trustees voted in October 1980 to change the name of Culver-Stockton Hall to Reynold C. and Mabel F. Johnson Hall.
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The college library had been housed in Henderson Hall until 1947, when the need for a separate library/classroom building became acute. The building was named after Carl Johann, an important early college president.
In 1970 the college began planning the new Gladys Crown Student Center named for the wife of Col. Henry Crown, prominent businessman and philanthropist. Connected to the east wing is the Carla Rifkind Warsaw Memorial Chapel of All Faiths. The Herrick Foundation Center, renovated in 1983 from the L.L. Culver Gymnasium, built in 1925, was named for the Herrick Foundation which contributed funds toward the building. The Robert W. Brown Performing Arts Center was added to Alexander Campbell Auditorium in 1990. Opened for classes in 2002, the Science Center is Culver-Stockton College's newest academic building.
Traditions and Student Life
Required daily chapel was a ritual of academic life at Culver-Stockton from the beginning. In the 1960s one focus of student unrest was required chapel. Ultimately, required chapel services were eliminated. Voluntary chapel service continued reflecting the historic affiliation with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the mission of the college.
Over a third of the men (36%) live in fraternities and a third of the women (39%) live in sororities.
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