By Maegan Clearwood
Editor-in-Chief
80 years ago, February 11, 1933
- The Blue Key Fraternity, of Washington College, presents its minstrel show on Wednesday evening, February 15, after a postponement of two weeks, the period of examinations.
…Washington’s foremost male theatrical talent has been succesfully solicited to frolic in a gay jamloree (sic) of music, song, dance and comedy. Be prepared to catch the jests of nimble-wit Huey in his exchange of quips with end-man Lord. Grow sentimental in song with Al Giriatis’ rendering of heart-breaking numbers “A La Little White Lies.” Hear “Scopes” Harris singing his he-man love songs. Swing into jig time with the Washington quartet.
- Within the past few weeks one freshman after another has dropped out from the first year class at Washington College. The causes are numerous. But the main reason is the lack of funds caused by the depression.
“Mike” Higgiston the most popular freshman here was the first to leave. He is now working in Waterbury, Conn. He was followed by Edward Nawak, of Wilmington. “Bill” MacDonald the class athlete and crooner left a few weeks ago.
- The Shakespeare Players of Washington College, an organization composed chiefly of members and past-members of the Shakespeare Class of Dr. Gertrude van A. Ingalls, will present, under direction of Dr. Ingalls, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at a time probably about three weeks distant.
…Costumes are in the process of manufacture, and a most becoming collection can be predicted. The play will be given on a very close approximation of the Elizabethan stage at least in so far as stage properties are concerned.
45 years ago, February 15, 1968
- The Elm has designated Dan Derby to be the official Elm correspondent in Vietnam. A former West Point Cadet, Derby is presently en route to the war torn country, where he will send dispatches directly to the Elm at least once weekly.
- Dr. Charles Hamilton, black power advocate, addressed an audience of students and townspeople last Saturday afternoon in Hynson Lounge.
Dr. Hamilton, Chairman of the Department of Political Science at Roosevelt University, defined several distinct types of participants within the civil rights movement.
- A grant awarded by the National Science Foundation in providing a computer facility to be established on campus.
Initially applied for by Dr. John Trimmer, the $88,000 award will be distributed over a three-year period, enabling interested students to qualify for computer work in their chosen fields.
30 years ago, February 12, 1982
- President Ronald Reagan has declined the invitation extended by late Washington College President Joseph McLain to receive an honorary degree as the guest speaker at this spring’s commencement exercises.
…The President and First Lady had also been invited to the annual George Washington Birthday Ball, to be held later this month.
Acting President Garry Clarke, who received the letter, said that he had “thought all along that this is what was going to happen,” and that he had already begun to arrange for another speaker, who would possibly be Vice-President George Bush.
[Note: Garry Clarke was instituted as Acting President on July 1, 1982, while President Joseph McLain was recovering from surgery. Clarke was asked to temporarily take office following McClain’s death on July 26.]
- In a letter appearing in the Winter 1982 edition of The Washington College Reporter William Collins, a 1940 graduate and a member of the Alumni Council, announced the Alumni Association’s plan to erect a memorial to the late Dr. Joseph McLain.
According to the letter, the memorial will be a bronze victory bell, to be placed in front of the Cain Athletic Center.
- The College Computer Center has just expanded to improve its facilities and services.
…The main memory of the computer is now one and one-half megabytes…The secondary has also been improved and several features, including a sub-routine library, have been added. With the increase in the number of terminals, the Center can now facilitate sixteen users. This has virtually eliminated waiting lines, a familiar site in past semesters.
15 years ago, February 13, 1998
- A malfunction in one of the heating pipes of Kent Hall caused water to flood that dorm’s lobby last Saturday and leaving the dormitory temporarily without heat.
… “I heard a commotion in the hall and what sounded like rain. I opened my door and water was streaming out of a burst pipe in the ceiling of Kent Lobby,” said Kent resident Kevin Hoffman.
- The Pilfers opened for the Pietasters at Saturday’s concert in Hodson hall. The group played lively ska music to warm up the crowd of over 450 students.
The Pietasters ska music includes the background sounds of trumpets, trombones, and saxophones in addition to the traditional band line-up.