Eleazar Wheelock (1769-79) The College founder’s seat cushion features the Wheelock coat of arms (three Catherine wheels), a bible, drum and a scene of Wheelock Eleazar with a Native American.

John Wheelock, class of 1771 (1779-1815) Twelve gold stars surrounding Dartmouth Hall’s tower represent the 12 trustees of Dartmouth. The cushion also includes the Wheelock coat of arms and Wheelock’s signature.

Francis Brown, class of 1805 (1815-20) The cannon and profile of Daniel Webster, class of 1801, represent the famous Dartmouth College case that eliminated the idea of Dartmouth University. Badges of the United Fraternity and the Social Friends indicate they were important societies of that era.

Daniel Dana, class of 1788 (1820-21) One sentence from his letter of resignation to the trustees says it all!

Bennet Tyler (1822-28) During the six years of his administration the College was “in the red” for four years, “in the black” for two. Chairs represent the increase in the number of professorships from three to five. Dots represent the student body at that time—and its one black student.

Nathan Lord (1828-63) Shackles around the silhouette represent Lord’s belief that slavery was ordained by God. The buildings—Wentworth, Reed, Thornton and the observatory—were built during the Lord administration. He carried a mahogany cane. The trumpet represents the horn used by students to annoy unpopular professors by making a din under their windows late at night. The soldier represents a member of the “Dartmouth Zouaves” regiment instituted on campus just before the Civil War.

Asa Dodge Smith, class of 1830 (1863-77) President Smith attended Andover Theological School, and in his earlier years he worked for a printer. Baseball was first played on campus, and the New Hampshire College of Agriculture—later UNH—was in Hanover during his administration. For College Centennial ceremonies, an enormous tent was borrowed from Yale; as speeches were delivered inside, a storm blew up and the tent was struck by lightning.

Samuel Colcord Bartlett, class of 1836 (1877-92) Bartlett Tower, Bartlett Hall, Wilson Hall and the chapel all rose during Bartlett’s administration. Football first got under way, and the horning tradition continued. Bartlett was known for wearing a top hat. And the donkey? As Bartlett was about to address the senior class in 105 Dartmouth some jokers put a donkey on the platform. He came in, said, “Excuse me, gentlemen, I didn’t realize you were holding a class meeting,” and walked out.