The newest Union Notables exhibit, now open in Schaffer Library Atrium, features a trio of individuals whose lives spanned the past three centuries and whose accomplishments inspired many: Charles Frederick Chandler, Ruth Anne Evans and John Howard Payne.
One of the leading chemists of his generation, Chandler (1836-1925) taught the first laboratory class in analytical chemistry on an American college campus at Union in 1859. He was hired at Union in 1857 in a dual role – assistant professor and janitor – because there were insufficient funds for an academic appointment only.
Chandler’s janitorial duties, which included building six anthracite coal fires every morning, may have been his most important contribution because the temperature that winter in Schenectady dipped to 29 degrees below zero. Within a year, Charles Joy, the existing professor of chemistry, left Union, and Chandler was promoted to professor, whereupon his janitorial chores were eliminated. By 1861, he was named the Nott Professor of Chemistry, rising from janitor to professor to endowed chair in four years.
Chandler was the most influential founder of the American Chemical Society.
Evans (1924-2001) was among the most accomplished librarians and knowledgeable college historians to work at the College. She came to Union in 1944 as an assistant cataloguer and served as a librarian for 37 years.
She also held the positions of cataloguer, reference librarian, acquisitions librarian, circulation librarian, assistant librarian, head of collection development and, occasionally, acting library director.
In 1973, Evans was made full professor, the first woman on the Union College faculty to attain that rank.
Actor, playwright, journalist and producer Payne (1791-1852), wrote the poem “Home Sweet Home,” which made him famous. He attended Union from 1806-08. In 1813, he sailed to London, where he became the first American actor to invade the British stage.
Payne’s penchant for drama was evident early on. A native of New York City, he published a journal of theater criticism while in his teens and soon after wrote his first play, produced at the Park Theater in New York. At Union, he published 25 issues of a periodical called “The Pastime.” His flamboyant history also includes a friendship and collaboration with Washington Irving; activism on behalf of the Cherokees in Georgia; and two appointments as U.S. Consul in Tunis.
The Notables installation will remain up through March 14. For more information, go to: www.union.edu/Notables