This 1915 photograph from the Library of Congress is not “Old Bob” but is representative of him
The May 1947 issue of the Sundial (alumni news publication) has a great little story about the retirement of an important member of the college community.
“Old Bob” Retires
“Old Bob,” the faithful horse-of-all-trades on the Wesleyan campus, has been replaced by two new pieces of equipment — a shiny red truck and an efficient gray tractor. To many Wesleyan alumni, “Old Bob” was a campus institution during his long years of service, and we are sure you will be happy to know that his new owner has promised to give him a good home. “Old Bob” was born on the Wesleyan campus 19 years ago, and it was a familiar sight to see him diligently mowing the lawns in summer or clearing snow from the walks in winter. Although the new machines will probably be more efficient than “Bob,” the Wesleyan horse will be missed by his many friends.
These photo post cards, published in the 1926 Murmurmontis show the campus as it appeared just two years before “Bob” was born on the campus. These were the only buildings until 1953.
Our campus has been a source of pride since the very beginning. The beautiful setting and the buildings are an important part of the Wesleyan experience. The 1926 Murmurmontis also included this message to past, current, and future students concerning the campus:
In case you find this difficult to read, here is the text:
TO YOU to whom Wesleyan lingers in a dear remembered past, to you for whom Wesleyan looms in a not far distant yesterday; to you for whom Wesleyan is yet in the promise of tomorrow, we dedicate these views. Perhaps they may bring back a recollection dimmed with years; mayhap provoke a smile of recent memories, or even bring a wistful dream into some quiet young eyes. And if some one or two of you, in gazing at these pages, slowly-turned, shall pause betimes and smile and then sigh, remembering dim, cool halls; sun-flecked walks; and the mellow peal of the old bell — then it is not in vain these memories have been given you.
The Giants who have kept these buildings maintained, the leaves raked in the fall, and those sun-flecked walks shoveled in winter have played a huge role in the history of the school. Their heroics too often go unsung.
Their tools are much different now.
So, on this 61st anniversary of his retirement, I would like to say: Well done, “Old Bob” and those who have come after. Your hard work has done much to create and care for the beautiful campus we enjoy today.
To find out more about the history of West Virginia Wesleyan College, be sure to explore DreamersAndGiants.com