The College of Charleston was the pride of the city. It was the eleventh oldest college in the nation, and the very first in America supported solely by city funds. The athletic program was added to the all-male College in 1897,and by 1904 the basketball, football and baseball programs were a source of great pride. 

Also thriving was a campus literary society, the Chrestomathics. The society was similar in function to modern day student government groups. By participating in the activities of the society, students could take their academic pursuits beyond the classroom, debating the ideas and issues of the times.  Its officers also comprised the staff of the college's monthly magazine. Because of its prominence and power on campus, the society was important to the students. It also played a crucial role in the founding of Pi Kappa Phi.

In 1904, there were 71 students at the college. Of these, 40 of them had been raised within the city limits of Charleston and attended the city high school. Most had known each other from early childhood. Tuition was a mere $40 a year, and a dormitory room ran an additional $10 monthly. Most students lived at home with their families. 

Back To Previous Page               On To Next Page