History of Coe

Wondering how Coe became Coe?  Well, this is the post for you.  The history is located on Coe's website as well, but I thought I would give you an overview.  Also, at the Stewart Memorial Library there is an extensive archives section where you could find out more about Coe's past.

Coe was founded in 1851 making this college 160 years old!  Wow!  It was founded by Reverend Williston Jones.  The original name for Coe was The School of the Prophets because Jones wanted to educate young men who wanted to become ministers.  The other interesting part of Coe's beginnings was the college was first in Jones' parlor room.

It wasn't until 1853 when Daniel Coe, a farmer, pledged $1,500 encouraged Jones to start a college in Cedar Rapids.  Jones agreed and the $1,500 was said to have come from New York, via stagecoach and the money was sewn into a young lady's petticoat.  When Coe gave Jones the money he said he wanted the college to be for both male and female.  Jones agreed.

Thus, the Cedar Rapids Collegiate Institute was born.  A group of men, including Judge George Greene (Greene Hall!) bought two lots in downtown Cedar Rapids as well as 80 acres of farmland, land that the campus sits on today.

Coe went through a few more name changes as well.  In 1868, in an attempt to gain more land, the name was changed to Parsons Seminary.  The attempt failed and the name was changed to Coe Collegiate Institute in 1875.

Another huge step in the making of Coe was when T.M. Sinclair (Sinclair Auditorium!), the founder of the Sinclair Meat Packing Company, decided to pay off all the debt the college had.  This financial gift allowed the college to change its name again (for the last time) to Coe College as well as allowing the Iowa Presbyterian Synod to assume responsibility of the college.  

And now look at Coe!  It's really neat to look back and see where Coe started and then see where Coe is today.  Hope you enjoyed this little history lesson!