june1911

"...between 1910 and 1915..." - the enlarged image itself is nicely specific with the roman numerals :)

As [Rob or Sheila] says, the caption on the stone reads "Corner * Stone - Laid June Seventh MDCCCCXI" and the writing on the picture confirms this date. So, the picture was taken on June 7th, 1911 and documents a ceremony laying a cornerstone for a new building, possibly Kent Hall. The cap and gowned man on the left is Columbia University president, Nicholas Murray Butler who is credited with growing the school's reputation and size. He later received a Nobel Peace Prize (1931) for promoting international peace. He was also an advisor to U.S. presidents and as Republican tried and failed to run for president. The other gowned man is Dean James Rignal Wheeler (1859-1918), a professor of archeology. In this same year, Joseph Pulitzer died leaving $1,000,000 to Columbia to build the School of Journalism.

Dean James Rignall Wheeler (1859-1918) was professor of archaeology and Greek art at Columbia from 1895 until his death, from pneumonia, in 1918.

Another Bain/LOC photo, taken on Columbia's cornerstone day (which also was commencement day): www.flickr.com/photos/library_of_congress/2162711607/

All: Thanks for the more complete information on the persons here--and for the date on the negative. We'll add these to the record next time we update.

This was the day of the joint commencement of Columbia University and Barnard College, June 7, 1911. Other Bain/LOC photos taken on that day:

"Public office is the last refuge of a scoundrel." -- Boies Penrose

from the Liberty Bell tour?

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boies_Penrose