Wilmington College celebrating 150th anniversary of founding

WILMINGTON, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio college is preparing to mark the 150th anniversary of its founding.

Wilmington College in southwestern Ohio got its start in August 1870 when a group of Quakers spent $11,334 at an auction to buy 17 acres of land and an unfinished building for a college.

Classes began the following April and four of the school’s initial students received diplomas in 1875, according to the college.

The official launch of Wilmington’s sesquicentennial will come at homecoming in September. The college has several activities planned through the spring of 2021, including concerts, publication of an anniversary book and exhibits.

The school is also asking families with at least a 100-year affiliation with the college to submit stories, photos and details of family history.

A program during the next academic year will highlight the school’s historic Quaker connection.