Middlebury: Town and College - Financial Interdependence

Middlebury: Town and College Financial Interdependence
After a long battle with proponents of the University of Vermont, who opposed the notion of a second state college, Middlebury College was established under the condition that it cannot share in the proceeds from the state lands set aside for the suport of a college².
Therefore, Middlebury had to rely on the generosity of the community for its development. Throughout its early history, the college was not able to to support itself by collecting tuition and fees, which did produce sufficient funds to pay even for faculty salaries. In those days, private donations from Addison county citizens were the main source income for the fledgling institution.
Despite repeated attempts in 1814 - 1815 and 1824 - 1826, the college was unsuccessful in obtaining loand or funding from the state³. In fact, it was not until 1908 that the state granted funds to the college. As a result town residents were almost entirely responsible for the procurement and maintenance of college facilities such as the library, the dorms and the scientific apparatus. To a large extent, the survival of Middlebury College in the nineteenth century can be attributed to the help of the local community. The quick restoration of Starr Hall after a fire on Christmas Eve 1864 is a notable example. However, the college also had a positive impact on the development of local businesses. ==>