The Greater Culver

Plans are Outlined by the Trustees to Make the Academy Larger Instition Than Ever

Plans for a "Grester Culver" that shall place the equipment of C.M.A. far ahead of any similar private institution in th world were announced by the commandant at the graduating exercises on June 10.

The plan provides for the expenditure of thee or four hundred thousand dollars in the next five years in addition to the present plant and equipment.

The present summer will se the erection of a splendid fire-proof mess hall and kitchen as the first step toward this larger Culver.

The following letter from the trustees to Colonel Fleet outlines in detail the plan:
St. Louis, Mo.
March 12 1909
Dear Colonel Fleet:

About 14 1/2 years ago, near the shore of beautiful Maxinkuckee, we saw the beginning of that which was destined to become and is today, one of the foremost of American school.

No one dreamed of the progress that was to follow the modest beginning, save prehaps, the man who laid the foundation, gave impulse and guided the first two years of its existence.

But it is improbable even he could have forseen a future quite as wonderful as that which has gradually unfolded during the last twelve years.

The marvelous development - the promoinence and presitige - enjoyed by the Culver Military Academy are not the result of accident; nor are they the reward of energies spent for selfish gain. They represent rather the achievement of tireless and united effort of officers and faulty, unpon whom has fallen the responsibility of its conduct, and whose interest and activities were shaped and mingled in the common desire to succeed for the sake of succress alone.

The board of trustees has followed the work with intres and appreciation; and their confidence in Culver - its men and methods is beft measred by the readiness with which the eve increasing femand for buildings and improvements has been met. It may be said in this cinnection - and with pardonable prodel e believe - that Culver has never enjoyed any financial assiistance sance save that Coming directly from members of the board of trusteesl They have believed in its future and hve lent unhesitatingly, such aid as their means and consistency would allow.

Very naturally, all of this is most gratifying; neverless, it brings us to a point where it would seem judicious to fix upon some comprehensive plan for the future

Culver is growing anf must continure to grow - growth is of vital importance in every undertaking. It is not only an indication of merit and an evidence of success, but more particularly it is the prime requisite in the very pursuit and attainment in these elements. It is the producer - the cause rather than the effecr of success. We should, then , give earnest condsideration to the matter of taking care of out growth.

With this end in view, and confidently anticipating the hearty cooperation and approval of yourself and the gentlemen of the faculty, a quorum of the board has net and agreed upon a general plan for a "Grester Culver".

This plan comtemplates the erection of the many buildings necessary to the comfort and welfare of cadets, the adition of such equipment as may seem proper in facilitating the worl of instruction, and many general betterments which will appeal to patrons and encourage officers and the student body to even greater accomplshments.

The bard of trustees propose to set aside, annyally, for several years to come, a cetain considerable sum of money to meet and defry the cost of these improvements. For the present year we have donated $40,000 to be available immediately.

For your information we may mention some of the more pronounced meeds of Culver as we see them. Others, equally important, may present themselves to your mind.
Mess Hall and kitchen.
Refrigerator plant.
Stables.
Surperintendent's dwelling.
Quartermaster's building.
Library.
Power House.
Laundry.
Carpenter ship.
Warehouse.
Greenhouse.
coal and cooke houses.
Cannon house.
Bridges.
Gates and fences.
Granitold walks.
Grand stand.
Landscaping gardening.
Y.M.C.A. Building.


In our plans we have determined, provided conditions are favorable, to erect one or more buildings each succeeding year until we are absolutely equiped, and stand, indisputably, in the lead of all prepraratory schools.

Trusting our action is in accord with your views, and feelings secure in a continuation of the hearty support manifested by yourself and co-workers in past years, we are, sir, very cordially your,

E. R. Culver, Sec'y

1883-1893 ~ ~ 1894-1899 ~~ 1899-1919 ~~ 1920-1944 ~~ 1945-1969. ~~ 1970-present