Page:A History of the University of Chicago by Thomas Wakefield Goodspeed.djvu/109

THE BEGINNING OF THE MOVEMENT 83 The first man called on, in this new departure, was Charles L. Hutchinson, who promised help, entered heartily into the plans of the secretaries, and continued to give them suggestions and assistance to the end of the campaign. Mr. Hutchinson finally consented to act as a trustee of the new institution. Their recep- tion by Mr. Hutchinson greatly encouraged the secretaries. They were still more encouraged as they continued to get a sympathetic hearing and receive assurances of help. Soon they began to call on men without introduction. They were received so well and so many assurances of help were given them that their courage was greatly increased and their hopes began to enlarge. Actual sub- scriptions were not made, but such promises were made by men of large means that they began to feel confident that they would secure the hundred thousand dollars they needed. They soon had the names of seventeen men from whom they had assurances of substantial assistance, though none of them had yet made formal and definite subscriptions. Matters had reached this stage when, on December 4, 1889, a call was made on Marshall Field, the leading merchant of Chicago. Some time had already been spent in inspecting possible sites for the new institution. The site of the Old University had been con- sidered, but when it was found that the building and ground could not be secured for less than four hundred and forty- two thousand dollars, a price which was prohibitive, the desire to locate on this historic site was regretfully given up. Finally unoccupied ground was found fronting on the Midway Plaisance between Washington and Jackson Parks. It was recognized at once as the ideal site. Learning that it belonged to Mr. Field it was determined to ask him to donate ten acres for the purpose. He received the request with hospitality, but said the firm was about to make the annual in- ventory and learn the results of the year's business. He asked his visitors therefore to come and see him six weeks later. Before the end of the six weeks a letter was sent to him embodying the following points: That his favorable decision would lead to certain and great success ; that any section of the land he preferred to give would be satisfactory; that an agreement would be made to expend at least