Mount Allison, History of Sports, Overview

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Overview

Mount Allison Institutions

To understand the history of sports at Mount Allison before 1919, it helps to look first at the development of the three institutions that evolved into what Mount Allison is today.

Mount Allison's first institution, the Wesleyan Academy for Boys (by 1889 known as the Academy), opened in 1843 with a class of seven students. It was a private preparatory school, located on the north side of Main Street, in an area presently occupied by Windsor, Campbell and Harper Hall residences, and Jennings Dining Hall. Student enrollment fluctuated, but remained under 100 until 1900.

The second institution, the Female Branch of the Mount Allison Wesleyan Academy (by 1886 known as the Ladies' College), opened in 1854. In 1871, it surpassed the Male Academy in terms of student numbers, and remained Mount Allison's largest institution through to the end of WWI. It was located between York and Main streets, in an area bounded by the Owens Art Gallery to the west and the eastern edge of today's Swan Pond.

The third institution, the degree-granting Mount Allison College (renamed Mount Allison University in 1913), opened in 1862. Student numbers at the University were low at first. By 1900, there were just 73 students enrolled, although that number doubled by 1910. The University buildings were primarily situated west of Owens Art Gallery, on land bordered by York, Salem and Main Streets.

Next: Early town-gown sports

Mount Allison Wesleyan Male Academy, between 1866 and 1882

Mount Allison Ladies' College buildings, ca. 1895

Mount Allison University buildings, between 1883 and 1894

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This project was funded by the Marjorie Young Bell Endowment Fund