Description

Book page introduction from The Massachusetts Institute of Technology by Stone and Webster, 1920. Original caption: "THE NEW TECHNOLOGY // Under the inspiration and leadership of the late Dr. Richard C. MacLaurin, the long cherished hope of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology of one day owning and occupying a home worthy of the school's high traditions became an accomplished fact. From his inauguration as President in June, 1909, Dr. MacLaurin recognized the practical nature of the problem, and that enthusiasm must be supplemented with a business organization which would interest not only the alumni, but all friends of education. Two years later success was foreshadowed in the announcement by Dr. MacLaurin of a special site committee, and in October, 1911, the Corporation announced the selection of the fifty-acre tract on the Cambridge Embankment of the Charles River Basin. In February, 1913, Welles Bosworth, '89, of New York, was chosen architect, and the selection nine months later of Stone & Webster as constructing engineers officially marked the beginning of building operations. In June, 1915, the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Institute, the new plant was officially dedicated with imposing ceremonies."