Bookplates

The Edward Fitch Library Fund

July 1, 1947

In his Will dated 1945, Dr. Edward Fitch, Class of 1886, established this fund to support the purchase of books in the field of Greek studies including language, literature, art and history.

Dr. Fitch contributed to life on the Hill in numerous ways—first as an undergraduate; subsequently, as an instructor and administrator. As a student, he was a member of the Emerson Literary Society and was elected to Phi Betta Kappa. Following graduation, he took a position as professor of Greek at Park College in Parkville, Mo., for three years. He returned to Hamilton in 1889 as an assistant professor of Greek, receiving a Master of Arts degree from the College that same year. In 1893, Dr. Fitch took a leave of absence so that he could explore Europe and attend the University of Kiel in Germany. During that year, he took residence at Göttingen, Germany, where he was admitted as a member of the seminary for Classical Philosophy. Three years later, he received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from Göttingen University.

Returning to the United States, Dr. Fitch continued teaching at Hamilton and was promoted to associate professor. Five years later, he was named as the College’s Edward North Professor of Greek. From 1922 to 1923 he served as acting Dean of the College before becoming Dean in 1926. He held this position for six years before taking a year off to teach at the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, Greece. Following his return from Greece, he retired in 1934. Throughout his academic career, Dr. Fitch contributed to various scholarly journals, published a book, and held memberships in various national scholarly groups.

His retirement did not halt his passion for his College and the Village of Clinton. He continued to help with the Hamilton Alumni Review, which he had help establish, and for which he served as the first editor. He was also active with the Stone Church located in the Village.