The University weathered the Depression without major dislocations. Plans made in 1930 for a $5,000,000 fund-raising campaign with the assistance of the New York firm of Tamblyn and Brown, of course, had to be abandoned. Strict economies were enforced. Only students who could afford the rising tuition charges or could work out methods of financing their education by loans or other means were encouraged to apply for admission. An extensive employment program supported by state and federal funds provided assistance for many. Faculty salary decreases were avoided, however; budgets were balanced, and in 1942 there was even a surplus. Also a new instructional program was inaugurated,. new buildings erected and the campus improved.
Dr. Cutten had a keen interest in what came to be called the University’s “plant.” The growing enrollment since the days of President Merrill had long pointed to the pressing need for their expansion and the action of the Trustees in 1924 limiting the student body to 1,000 gave a basis for future plans. The value of the buildings and grounds rose from $1,464,000 in 1922 to $4,016,000 in 1942. Primarily through the President’s efforts real estate holdings were increased through purchase and gift by more than 320 acres, portions of which were for a new athletic field and golf course. The field was ready for use in 1939 and formally dedicated at a football game with Duke University in 1940. This 27 acre tract provided facilities not only for football but. also for baseball, soccer, lacrosse and intramural sports. Deacon Jonathan Olmstead’s house and farm were donated in 1926. The house was reconditioned and fitted out with old furniture in 1934 and kept as a memorial to the Thirteen Men who had met there in 1817; since World War II it has also provided living quarters for members of: the staff. In 1933 the walls of the dining room of the President’s House were decorated by a series of nine murals representing outstanding events in Colgate’s history, some with poetic license, done in crayon on unbleached muslin by Bill Breck. Six houses near the Broad Street and Kendrick Avenue corner were removed thus opening up an unobstructed view of the Campus and permitting the construction of the main entrance at this corner in 1929. In the same year a pair of swans, the gift of friends, graced Taylor Lake, recently cleaned of its accumulated silt.
Extensive remodeling was a significant part of the buildings and grounds program. With the Seminary’s removal in 1928 the upper