In 1927, Rollins College proudly presented the inaugural Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award to Irving Bacheller. The award was bestowed by President Hamilton Holt in recognition of Bacheller’s exemplary character and selfless service. The award presentation included a heartfelt tribute:

“Irving Bacheller: not for your eminence as a writer, not for your success as a businessman, not for the wise use of your wealth or position; but for your big, generous heart, your warm, human sympathy, your purity and integrity of character, —in fine, not for your distinguished achievements, but for your personality, Rollins College awards you its Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion. May the love and admiration of all the sons and daughters of Rollins, which this medallion symbolizes, be a source of satisfaction to you.”

Early Life and Education

Irving Bacheller was born on September 26, 1859, in Pierpont, New York. Despite a challenging childhood marked by economic hardship and the need to support his family, Bacheller displayed a relentless pursuit of education. Although he never received a high school diploma, he managed to attend St. Lawrence University, where he founded the Alpha Omicron Chapter of Alpha Tau Omega and graduated with a B.S. degree.

Career Beginnings and Literary Achievements

Bacheller’s career in journalism began in New York, where he became the editor of the Daily Hotel Reporter. His talent and dedication quickly led to his promotion to Dramatic Editor for the Brooklyn Daily Times. In 1884, he co-founded the first newspaper syndicate in the United States, marking a significant milestone in the industry.

Bacheller sold his first literary creation, a poem titled “Whisperin’ Bill,” to the Independent early in his career. His first novel, “The Master of Silence,” was published by Charles L. Webster & Co. in 1892. A year later, he discovered and helped serialize Stephen Crane’s “The Red Badge of Courage.” Bacheller’s most famous novel, “Eben Holden,” published in 1900, sold over 250,000 copies in its first year, cementing his status as a prominent literary figure.

Contributions to Rollins College and the Sullivan Award

In 1918, Bacheller moved to Winter Park, Florida, where he established an estate named “Gate O’ the Isles.” His deep commitment to education and writing continued at Rollins College, where he created the Irving Bacheller Essay Contest in 1920 to encourage young people to write effectively. He lectured at Rollins from 1921 to 1930, during which he authored several novels, including “In the Days of Poor Richard,” “Father Abraham,” and “Dawn.”

Bacheller was elected to the Rollins College Board of Trustees in 1922, serving until 1948. He played a pivotal role in bringing Hamilton Holt to Rollins, having known Holt from their earlier collaboration at the Independent. In 1927, Rollins College awarded him the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion for his integrity and character. Thirteen years later, he received an honorary degree from Rollins and established the Irving Bacheller Professorship of Creative Writing, with Edwin Granberry being the first to hold the position.

Later Years and Legacy

Bacheller left Winter Park in 1943 and passed away on February 24, 1950, in White Plains, New York. His legacy at Rollins College and his contributions to literature and education remain significant.

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, established to honor individuals who demonstrate remarkable character, integrity, and service to humanity, has been a prestigious recognition at Rollins College since its inception. The award’s first recipient, Irving Bacheller, exemplified these qualities through his extensive work in literature, journalism, and his contributions to the Rollins community.

Irving Bacheller’s receipt of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award marked a significant milestone in Rollins College’s history, symbolizing the institution’s commitment to recognizing and fostering noble character and service to humanity. Alongside other notable recipients like Eleanor Roosevelt, Bacheller’s legacy continues to inspire future generations to pursue lives of integrity, compassion, and impactful service.

References

  • Merriman, C.D. (2006). “Irving Bacheller.” The Literature Network, Jalic Inc.
  • Trustee File: Irving Bacheller. 10B, Rollins College Archives.
  • Rollins College Archives. (n.d.). “History of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award.”

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