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TILLOTSON, AUSTIN, TEXAS.

BY SECRETARY A.F. BEARD.


In the year 1875 the Rev. George J. Tillotson, of Connecticut, visited
various points of the South with a view to the establishment of a
school. He was accompanied by a secretary of the Association. After a
careful survey they selected Austin, Texas, as the most promising point.
About twenty-five acres of partially wooded land just beyond the eastern
boundary of the city of Austin were purchased for $5,000, the gift of
Mr. Tillotson. In the following year a charter was obtained and the work
of raising money for the building was entered upon. The funds were
finally secured, and in 1879 the foundations were laid, and the
building, 104 feet in length and 42 in depth, constructed of white
pressed brick with dress stone trimmings, rose to its five stories in
height. On the 17th of January, 1881, the school opened. Two of the five
floors were then open spaces. Eleven pupils only were enrolled at the
beginning, but the term closed in June with 107. During this year the
building was completed and named "Allen Hall," in honor of one of the
largest givers. At the opening of the fall term the beginning of the
next year, the accommodations were taxed to the utmost. In August, 1882,
the report reads, "Allen Hall is full to repletion, 100 in the boarding
department. Work cannot unfold for need of more room. Young men and
young women in the same building make an urgent appeal for a new
building."