First Classes Held

The first classes were held at the State Normal School's temporary building, former Mohawk & Hudson Railway Building, later known as Van Vechten Hall, located at 115-121 State Street. The building’s second and third floors were donated by City of Albany rent free for five years. The City also donated $500.00 to renovate the building. Van Vechten Hall was demolished in the early nineteen-sixties for construction of the IBM Building. The initial enrollment was 29 students taught by two faculty: David Page and George R. Perkins. By the end of the session 98 students were in attendance, "an equal number from each sex". State students, those nominated by County Superintendents, receive free tuition and a $.03 pre-mile travel allowance from their home paid at the end of the term. Sixty-nine "State Pupils" were registered by the end of the 1st term. State students also received a weekly room & board allowance, $1.25 for women, $1.00 for men.

Subjects

Academic Programs Buildings & Construction Enrollment

Source Details

French, pp. 53-54, 59; Figures on students from French and Report of the Executive Committee of the State Normal School to the Superintendent of the Common Schools and Regents of the University of New York, January 14, 1846, p. 5; for the demolition of Van Vechten Hall see Permit No. 108358, 1964, Building Department Permit Indexes, A-Z, 1962, Albany County Hall of Records