McMaster celebrates 85 years in Hamilton
The Great Depression had just begun, war was less than a decade away and McMaster had brand new digs.
It was Oct. 1, 1930 and class was in session at McMaster’s new location at the west end of Hamilton, Ontario.
The University is celebrating the 85th anniversary of its move from downtown Toronto to Hamilton this week with the raising of the University’s first flag and an online fundraising campaign.
Other events are scheduled for the coming weeks.
McMaster was founded in 1887 in Toronto at what is now the headquarters for the Royal Conservatory of Music. As the University grew, however, McMaster Hall became overcrowded, leading some to suggest the institution be moved down the road to Hamilton.
By the 1920s, the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce had launched a campaign to bring McMaster to the city. With the financial support of both the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec and the people of Hamilton, they were able to do just that, opening the new campus on lands transferred from the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Hamilton Hall, one of the first buildings built on campus, was named in honour of the University’s new hometown.
Check the alumni event calendar for details.
