December 29th, 1841 - Howard College Incorporated

Although the celebration of Samford's 175th anniversary has been in full swing for a little while now, it was on this day in 1841 that the state of Alabama officially recognized Samford University as a corporate institution of academic learning. The school was incorporated as Howard College in Marion, Alabama under the leadership of 15 trustees.  Happy Birthday, Samford!

Image courtesy of the Samford University Library Special Collection

Want to find out more? Check out this selection from the Special Collection Treasures collection.

December 19th, 1871 -- Birmingham is Incorporated

On this day in 1871, The city of Birmingham was incorporated by an act of the Alabama state legislature that authorized the governor to appoint a mayor and eight aldermen.  This act also authorized the mayor to require that all males between the ages of 18 and 45 be required to work five days a year on the streets and avenues of the city.

Image courtesy of the University Library Special Collection

The full text of the act that established the city of Birmingham may be found by clicking here.

A view of Birmingham in 1873. Image courtesy of the University Library Special Collection

The city grew to over 26,000 residents by 1890, earning the name "the Magic City" for suddenly appearing where seemingly nothing had been before.

More information about Birmingham's early years -- including a list of the buildings shown in the above photograph -- may be found by clicking here.

Happy birthday, Magic City!

Library 2016 Holiday Hours

We've made it through another round of final exams, and extra-special CONGRATULATIONS to all our December graduates who get to see their #SamfordStories culminate with Fall Commencement tomorrow!

The University Library will begin holiday hours today.  Our holiday schedule is:

• Friday, December 16th -- 7:30am - 5:00pm

• Saturday & Sunday, December 17th & 18th -- CLOSED

• Monday, December 19th through Thursday, December 22nd -- 7:30am - 5:00pm

• Friday, December 23rd through Monday, January 2nd -- CLOSED

We will reopen with Jan Term hours on January 3rd. 

From the Howard Crimson, 1941, courtesy of the Samford Library Special Collection

We wish you and yours peace, love, and joy this holiday season.  

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

אנו מאחלים לכם שלום , אהבה ,ושמחה בעונת החגים

نتمنى لكم السلام والمحبة و الفرح في عطلة هذا الموسم

我们祝你平安，爱和喜悦这个假期

Ni deziras al vi pacon , amon kaj ĝojon ĉi ferio sezono

우리는 당신에게 평화 , 사랑, 기쁨 이 휴가 시즌 을 기원합니다

Мы желаем

вам мира , любви, радости и в этот праздничный сезон 

私たちはあなたの平和、愛、喜び、このホリデーシーズンにしたいです

Vi önskar dig fred, kärlek och glädje denna feriesäsong.

tam, bang je yImaq DaneHchugh maH maqtagh QI'lop

Stress, Snowflakes and Slices

Finals are, understandably, a time of great stress among Samford's students... so we at the library plan stress-busting activities for those who need a break from their caffeine-fueled marathon study sessions.  Two of the most popular diversions this semester have been the make-a-snowflake station by the Circulation Desk and the late-night pizza break.  Thanks to everyone who participated in each (or both) of these stressbusters!

197 Years of Statehood

On this day in 1819, the Sixteenth Congress passed a resolution declaring the admission of Alabama as the 22nd state of the United States of America.

Click here to read the full text of the resolution, courtesy of the Library of Congress


This map shows what the state looked like in 1819 along with the number of representatives to the Alabama Constitutional Convention from each of the counties.  According to the 1820 census, the largest city in the new state was Mobile with 1,500 residents.

From Alabama Congressional and Legislative Representation by William Letford, courtesy of the Samford University Library Special Collection

December 5th, 1841, S.S. Sherman accepts presidency of future Samford University

175 years ago today, Samuel Sterling Sherman accepted a leadership position for a new school founded in Marion, Alabama.  

Sherman's acceptance letter, p. 1

Sherman's acceptance letter, p.2

At that time, Sherman was 26 years old and studying under Basil Manly, President of The University of Alabama. 

Dr. Manly, his mentor, recommended to Sherman that he not take on the new school. He believed there would not be sufficient funding and the school would not last long. 

A young Samuel Sterling Sherman, first President of the future Samford University

However, Sherman was hopeful. He resigned his tutorship at The University of Alabama and committed himself to commanding the new enterprise. That school is what became Samford University.

To learn more about Sherman's acceptance letter and for a better look at the text, visit the Special Collection Treasure about the letter.

Thanks to Jennifer Taylor, Head of the University Archives and Special Collection for providing text and photographs.