The 1891-92 catalog, in which this photograph is published, described the greenhouse as "large and well supplied with many varieties of choice plants." Students were required to work five hours per week without pay; additional labor was paid at the rate of fifteen cents per hour. George Coote was born in Kent County, England in 1842 and (according to Lucy Skjelstad) worked as the gardener for Charles Darwin before emigrating to America. He arrived in Corvallis in 1877 via the Isthmus of Panama and farmed in an area west of Corvallis near Yaquina Bay until his appointment to the College faculty in 1888. He laid out the college grounds, erected and supervised the greenhouses, and taught in the Horticulture Department until 1908 when failing health forced him to take a leave of absence. He died several months later in November 1908. One of his daughters was married to Emile Pernot, the college photographer.
This chemistry class is shown on the steps of the new Chemistry Building (also known at the time as the Laboratory or Station Building; now known as the Women's Center) soon after its completion in early 1892. According to the 1891-92 catalog, the new building had "thirty students' working desks, each of which is supplied with water, gas, and drawers with shelves for the necessary re-agents and apparatus." All students at the college were required to take chemistry during their first and second years, four terms for Agriculture and Mechanics students, and three terms for Home Economics students. G. W. Shaw (with large mustache at far left in top row wearing dark suit and tie) joined the college faculty as a Professor of Chemistry and Physics in the 1891-1892 academic year and taught at OAC until 1900.
The Benton County Courthouse is the oldest courthouse in Oregon still being used for its original purpose. Designed by Portland architect Delos D. Neer, construction began in 1888 - the cornerstone is dated July 4, 1888 - and was completed the next year. The cost of the building was $66,689. The foundation was made from basalt and sandstone likely quarried at Witham Hill; the walls were made of locally produced brick. The courthouse was renovated in 1977-78. The building to the left of the courthouse was the county jail, also designed by Neer and built in 1888-89. It was used until 1929, when a new jail was built.
