Washington College Presidents' papers, James W. Cain papers

James William Cain (1860-1938) was born in West Haven, Connecticut to P. G. and Mary Kelly Cain. James received both his Bachelor’s degree, in 1884 and his Master’s degree, in 1893, from Yale University. He would later receive many Honorary Degrees including one from Washington College in 1928. Cain married Cecelia Mallahan on December 25, 1890. They had three daughters and two sons including Lt. Edward Cain and author, and graduate of Washington College, James M. Cain. Dr. Cain began his career as principal of Lewiston Academy in Pennsylvania. In 1886 he joined the faculty of St. John’s College in Annapolis. Cain was always engaged in the community while at St. John’s he was chairman of the Annapolis Board of Education. He was elected President of Washington College in 1903. In 1904 the school finalized the creation of a Normal Department for the education of teachers, however, after some issues with the Board of Education, it was abolished in 1910, which meant a loss of female students. There were other changes to the curriculum including the addition of a Bachelor of Science degree and changes to entrance requirements. The campus added several buildings including a new gymnasium in 1913 but on January 16, 1916, the college suffered another fire which destroyed William Smith Hall. Dr. Cain resigned on June 18, 1918, his tenure was viewed as forward-thinking, expanding the college both academically and athletically. In 1937 the gymnasium he built was named after him, expanding in 1968 to the James W. Cain Athletic Center. After resigning Cain worked as a statistician with United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company until 1933, he also served on the Board of Visitors & Governors of Washington College. He passed away in 1938.