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students, and each plan was to be marked with a motto for the purpose
of concealing the identity of the architect. Four plans were submitted
to the committee, each quite different in treatment from the
others. Several experts examined the designs and all found it
difficult to decide between two of them. One was in the shape of an L
and had many advantages in arrangement. Due to limitations of the site
and probable less cost, the plan marked with the motto, "Prove all
things-, hold fast that which is good," became the choice of the
majority. The successful architect was Stephen C. Earle of
Worcester. With certain modifications, his plan was adopted and he was
directed to make detailed drawings and specifications, for which he
was to receive a fee of $1,600.
In the meantime, a level plateau at the top of the hill had been laid
out by Phinehas Ball, and graded to accommodate the
buildings. Mr. Lincoln had arranged with Calvert Vaux, New York
landscape architect, who had laid out much of Central Park, to come to
Worcester for a fee of $100 to give general advice on grading the
property. Vaux proposed an approach to the plateau, sixty feet above
the level of Boynton St., by means of a road from the southeast comer
northwesterly to about the center of the lot, then to sweep around the
southerly slope to the front of the building. The Washburn building
was to be placed on the north line of the lot facing east, and the
main building to the south of the shop facing south, the area in the
rear to be for outbuildings. He later submitted pencil sketches and
answered numerous questions concerning grades, excavation, and the
layout of walks.
Expert counsel was also received from Prof. Paul A. Chadbourne of
Williams, whose long experience with students led him to say "that all
buildings to which they have access should be made just as simple as
possible, so that they shall have no temptation to do mischief. It is
entirely useless for persons who have never had any experience to say
what
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