Williamson College of the Trades (formerly Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades) is a private men's junior vocational college in Middletown Township, near Media, Pennsylvania. The school was founded on December 1, 1888, by Philadelphia merchant and philanthropist Isaiah Vansant Williamson. History Historic dates December 1, 1888– "Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades" is founded by Isaiah Vansant Williamson March 7, 1889– Isaiah Vansant Williamson passes away, the day after he approves the site for the school's campus. October 31, 1891– The campus formally opens. 1957– After most of the shop buildings are destroyed by fire, four new shop buildings are constructed and named "The John Wanamaker Free School of Artisans" and funded by the Rodman Wanamaker estate. 1961– Williamson School becomes a post-secondary institution. March, 2008- Henry and Lee Rowan and H. FitzGerald (Gerry) and Marguerite Lenfest donate $45 million to the school's endowment. July 1, 2015– "Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades" is officially renamed "Williamson College of the Trades" Planning and founding After contemplating the idea since the 1850s, Isaiah Williamson spent the final decade of his life formulating and developing the concept for a new trade school for underprivileged boys to be located in a suburb of Philadelphia. Williamson personally drafted the Foundation of Deed, which he presented to the board of trustees on December 1, 1888. The charter members of the board of trustees were all accomplished in their own right, consisting of mostly tradesmen, who were colleagues and friends of Williamson. The seven charter trustees included: John Baird, James C. Brooks, Lemuel Coffin, Edward Longstreth, William C. Ludwig, Henry C. Townsend, and Williamson's close friend and protege, John Wanamaker. Baird was chosen as president of the trustees (after Wanamaker declined the position), and Brooks and Helmbold were selected as treasurer and secretary, respectively. John M. Shrigley was also appointed secretary and President of the school. He took the lead in developing the campus and implementing the curriculum. Campus On March 6, 1889, the day before he died, Isaiah Williamson approved the purchase of 220 acres of land to be used for the school's campus in Middletown Township, near Elwyn, Pennsylvania. The site was selected from over 200 prospective locations, and the trustees acted quickly to secure the property and carry out Williamson's vision for the institution. The campus was later described by John Wanamaker as "... gently rolling country with its springs and water