Memorial Object

Object

Emancipationist

Pro-Civil Rights

Hooker, Edward Payson

The Hooker Chair

Edward Payson Hooker (1834-1904) was a pastor and the first president of Rollins College. He was born in Poultney, Vermont before moving to Castleton, where he received his bachelor’s degree at Middlebury College in 1851. In 1883, Hooker moved to Winter Park, Florida, where he was the first minister of the First Congregational Church of Winter Park (FCCWP). This church prioritized outreach into the local community, including providing material and funds for an African American church in Hannibal Square. In the twentieth century, the FCCWP opposed Florida segregation policies, leading to the KKK burning a cross outside the church in the 1950s.

In 1884-85, Hooker helped to prepare and secure funding for the establishment of Rollins College. He served as a charter trustee, college pastor, and first president until his resignation in 1892. Though Hooker never explicitly stated views on race and slavery it can be speculated that he supported emancipation and civil rights; he grew up in the first state to abolish slavery, attended the university that had the first African American to earn a baccalaureate degree at an American college, and founded a church that helped the African-American community and opposed Florida segregation policies.

The Hooker chair was the original chair that President Hooker used during his time at Rollins College. It was kept by the Hooker Estate until the semi-centennial observance in 1935, when, at President Hamilton Holt’s request, it was given in dedication of Hooker Hall. In 1955 it was moved to the Rollin’s art museum and then to the archives. Dr. Thaddeus Seymour incorporated the chair into convocation and commencement ceremonies, a tradition kept by each Rollins president.

Hooker Hall

A wooden chair with blue cushioning.

This chair, used during the Hooker administration, was presented to the College by Pres. Hooker's children during the College's Semi-Centennial year (1935-1936). It is traditionally used by the College President during Convocation and Commencement ceremonies.

Holt, Hamilton
Hooker Estate
Seymour, Thaddeus

Holt, Hamilton

1935

1955

1890-1945: Era of the Lost Cause, Jim Crow legal segregation and discrimination, and organized anti-Black racism

1945-1976: Era of Civil Rights Movement and resistance to Civil Rights Movement

Hooker Estate

Rollins College; Winter Park, Florida

Rollins College; Winter Park, Florida

Rollins College Bulletin Symbols of Service 1885-1961 1960

Edward Payson Hooker (1834-1904): First President of Rollins College

First Congregational Church of Winter Park History

History and Traditions of Middlebury

An Address Delivered in the Congregational Church in Middlebury

The Descendants of Rev. Thomas Hooker: Hartford, Connecticut 1586-1908

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