Huston-Tillotson

Exhibition Panel: Ancestors, Founders, Values

This panel spotlights a few of the early presidents and deans of Samuel Huston College and Tillotson College, thanks to whose efforts both institutions were set on their path to success. These talented individuals came to Austin from Black colleges across the South and Southwest; one thing they all had in common was the teaching of Latin.

The Fun of It, 1914

An autobiography of Reuben Shannon Lovinggood describes the founding of Samuel Huston College. These pages reveal the hostility directed at the new college by some local whites.

Credits: Dr. Reuben S. Lovinggood papers. Huston-Tillotson University, Downs-Jones Library Archives and Special Collections

The Fun of It, 1914

Lovinggood’s philosophy aimed at the improvement of the whole student, but it also had the pragmatic effect of winning local support for the institution and students.

Credits: Dr. Reuben S. Lovinggood papers. Huston-Tillotson University, Downs-Jones Library Archives and Special Collections

Photograph of Reuben Shannon Lovinggood

This studio portrait of R.S. Lovinggood on a visit to St. Louis offers a subtle but meaningful glimpse into his character and personality.

Courtesy of the Austin History Center, Austin Public Library (PICB-16659)

The Negro Seer: His Preparation and Mission, 1907

In this commencement speech delivered at Prairie View State Normal and Industrial College, Lovinggood describes the Greeks and Romans as models to improve upon. Although he made frequent reference to the Classics, Lovinggood’s love of antiquity was shaped by a modern, and distinctively Black, consciousness.

The New York Press, March 14th, 1909

This lengthy feature describes Lovinggood’s accomplishments in leading the development of the college. The title associates Lovinggood’s approach to education with that of Booker T. Washington, when in fact his unwavering commitment to classical alongside industrial education put him closer to W.E.B. Du Bois.

Courtesy of the Huston-Tillotson University, Downs-Jones Library Archives and Special Collections

Advertisement from The Weekly Bulletin

This advertisement for the college highlights the importance of Classics among the wide array of programs offered to students. Classical training is cited as a feature of the faculty, and the classical course is listed first among the various subjects.

Courtesy of the Huston-Tillotson University, Downs-Jones Library Archives and Special Collections

Photograph of Laurine Cecil (L. C.) Anderson

L. C. Anderson was a contemporary of Lovinggood and served for many years as Principal and Latin teacher at Anderson High School, then located near Sam Huston. Anderson’s many accomplishments included a stint as Principal of Prairie View Normal Institute and his founding role in the Colored Teachers State Association of Texas.

Courtesy of the Huston-Tillotson University, Downs-Jones Library Archives and Special Collections

Article, “Rally at Wesley” from The Weekly Bulletin, September 12th, 1906

Fundraising for Samuel Huston College was a collective activity. This notice records L. C. Anderson, among others, participating at a rally at Wesley, TX in order to raise money for the college.  

Courtesy of the Austin History Center, Austin Public Library

Pamphlet, “The Romantic Story of Samuel Huston College”, c. 1916

Lovinggood’s story of the dilapidated state in which he initially found the college is repeated across several documents. This flyer uses the story to demonstrate the college’s transformation and to promote it to potential sponsors and students. 

Credits: Dr. Reuben S. Lovinggood papers. Huston-Tillotson University, Downs-Jones Library Archives and Special Collections