Acquisition of the Scrolls

The Geneva Advertiser, February 24, 1891.
The Herald, February 28, 1891.

In 1891, Hobart College President Eliphalet Potter voyaged to to the Mediterranean, Middle East, and North Africa—including Ottoman Palestine. This trip prevented Potter from attending the Commencement for the Class of 1891.

As a gift to the Class of 1891, and as an apology for his absence at Commencement, President Potter endeavored to obtain an Egyptian tablet during his travels. Unable to do so, President Potter instead acquired a Torah Scroll and an Esther Scroll. According to the Board of Trustee meeting minutes from June 1892, the scrolls were obtained from an, "old synagogue in Palestine where it had been long used."¹

On May 22nd 1891, President Potter sent a letter to Professor Hamilton Smith that was later published in the Hobart Herald.² At this point in President Potter's journey, he had only reached Bologna, Italy, but would later go on to visit Ottoman Palestine where he would obtain the Torah and Esther Scrolls in HWS' possession. Below is a map of President Potter's travels up to May 22nd 1891, as outlined in his letter.

A Map of President Potter's Travels up until May 22nd, 1891.

Endnotes

1. Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes, June 1892, Hobart and William Smith Colleges Library Archives.

2. The Hobart Herald, June 30, 1891, Vol. 13, no. 2, Hobart and William Smith Colleges Library Archives.