Oskaloosa College was founded in 1863 by the Christian Church. In 1881 a number of faculty moved to Des Moines and founded Drake University. In 1902, the building was purchased by Charles S. Burton of Canton, Missouri, and he moved his…
The first Field Day was held at Penn in June of 1891 where various track and field events took place. Meets were held for several years on Penn's campus. Penn participated in its first intercollegiate meet in 1897 at Simpson College. Participation…
Penn's Y.M.C.A. began in 1882, and its Y.W.C.A. began in 1884. The main objectives of the Y.M. and Y.W. were to hold prayer meetings, maintain Bible study, encourage individual efforts, support mission enterprises, and contribute to the betterment of…
Penn College was founded by Quakers, who believed education to be a necessity in their lives, but public schooling had not yet come to Iowa in the late 19th Century. Oskaloosa seemed like the perfect location for a Quaker college due to the two…
Edwin McGrew with his family. He was a Commercial Professor from 1893-95, Principal of Penn Academy from 1895-97, President of Penn College 1917-28 and 1936-42, and President Emeritus 1942-1955.
The first football team at Penn was formed in 1892, with James R. Howard serving as captain. The first full season of football was in the year 1896. Penn's first undefeated football team was in 1904 (7-0), and Penn's first Iowa Conference…
Oskaloosa College was founded in 1863 by the Christian Church. In 1881 a number of faculty moved to Des Moines and founded Drake University. In 1902, the building was purchased by Charles S. Burton of Canton, Missouri, and he moved his…
