Faculty, Head Librarian and English Professor Hannah Clapp, ca. 1900

In 1887, at the age of 63, Hannah Clapp was hired as the first faculty member at the university to teach English and History. In that same year, University President Leroy Brown assigned her the additional duties of librarian. She became so involved with the library work that the instructional duties were assigned to someone else. She served as librarian for 14 years, from 1887 to 1901. Miss Clapp is probably best remembered for her successful bid to supply the Wrought Iron Railing for a fence around the capitol in Carson City. Her bid was signed H.K. Clapp, and the fence still stands today.