The Mock Legislature Records include the journal of proceedings and bills for 1909 and 1911 sessions. The Mock Legislature provided practical knowledge about legislative procedure for Oregon Agricultural College students.
Scope and Content Notes
Records consist of two series: 1. Journal of Proceedings, 1909 & 1911; and 2. Bills, 1911. The records document the proceedings of this organization. Records are available in both paper and microfilm formats.
Biographical / Historical Notes
Herbert Cooke and several other members of the Class of 1908 are credited with conceiving the idea of a mock legislature at Oregon Agricultural College. It was formed in order to give the senior (male) members of the literary societies a practical knowledge of the methods and procedure of the state law-making body. The first mock legislature convened on January 14, 1909 and adjourned on March 9, 1909. Near the end of the session, a bill passed allowing sophomores and juniors to participate.
The 1911 session convened on January 19 and adjourned on February 9. Bills considered in the session included one to change the name of the college from Oregon Agricultural College to Oregon State College, one to consolidate OAC and the University of Oregon, and one pertaining to women's suffrage. John Bexell, dean of the School of Commerce, acted as governor for both the 1909 and 1911 sessions.
