Unusual gifts leave lasting impressions

February 13, 2004
by Angela Doolin
Opinions Editor

At an institution with the highest alumni giving rate in Michigan, there are undoubtedly many people who hope to one day see their names emblazoned on the front of Albion’s newest building. Some may despair at the thought of only being able to afford to bestow a broom closet or crawl space to their alma mater.

Fear not, though, for Albion has a rich history of alternative gift-giving. Seeing evidence of it only requires a quick walk around campus, an eye for detail, and a penchant for reading plaques.

Of course, having a tour guide like Jim Whitehouse, ’69, who is the associate vice president of major gifts and a third-generation Albion alum, doesn’t hurt, either.

“Everything is a gift,” he said. “The list is endless.”

The basement of Bobbitt Visual Arts Center houses one of these curious gems.

According to Whitehouse’s records, it came to Albion from the estate of G. Mennen (Soapy) Williams, former governor of Michigan in the ‘50s.

“He was always known for wearing bowties,” Whitehouse said.

Those who have seen his gift have to wonder if he enjoyed wearing costumes, as well. Mennen’s contribution to Albion College was an African tribal outfit, complete with leather and bones.

“It’s the spookiest thing I’ve ever seen,” Whitehouse said.

Next stop is the Mary Sykes room above upper Baldwin.

The most unusual gifts to the college come with stories. One such contribution comes from the McQuiston family, who acquired Mrs. Pugsley’s Rolling Pin. This splendid acquisition is mounted in a display case next to the Mary Sykes buffet line.

According to Whitehouse, Mrs. Pugsley used to run a boarding house near Putnam Hall. In true “mother hen” fashion, she would make pies for her tenants, many of whom were students. The rolling pin was given to the college as a reminder of Mrs. Pugsley’s devotion to these youngsters.

“You could sell something like this for three dollars, but to imagine Mrs. Pugsley lovingly making pies for those students… something about that sings to me,” Whitehouse said. “You don’t treat it lightly.”

One of the more visible vestiges of Albion College history can be found on the second floor of the Mudd Learning Center, all the way in the back of the room behind a glass wall.

At first sight the bold colors and designs look like something that came from the first World’s Fair. But upon further inspection, they prove to be the furniture of 1860 graduate Madelon Stockwell-Turner’s mother, dating back to the 1800s.

Stockwell-Turner, a student at Albion back when it was called “Wesleyan Seminary,” donated money for the Stockwell portion of the library in memory of her parents.

She had one stipulation, however. Her mother’s living room furniture had to be visibly displayed at the library--indefinitely.

Another legacy was left by Stockwell-Turner: her diary. In it, she records the ins and outs of college life as a student from 1856-1860. The bound version, edited and annotated by Leslie Dick, can be found at the library for anyone’s reading pleasure.

Those who agonize over being forgotten after they graduate should remember that everyone can leave their own mark on this school. Whether you give a tribal costume, a personal collection of uncanny paintings, a pile of rocks, a filial from a campus building, some canceled checks (save them now!), it is clear that donating imaginatively often leaves the most lasting impression.