Susquehanna University - 1940 to 1949

Active Filters:
  • Subject = World War, 1939-1945

About This Collection

This collection contains the archive of documents, photographs, and brief publications and correspondence revolving around the evolution of Susquehanna University from 1940 through 1949.
Displaying 16 items
Filter
1943 Freshman Class
1943 Freshman Class
World War, 1939-1945, Susquehanna University, Students
The freshman class of 1942 was the first class to enroll at Susquehanna University during war-time. Ninety-three freshmen enrolled but mid-way through the academic year many left for military service to their country. In 1946 the University graduated 29 students.
1944 Sophomore Class
1944 Sophomore Class
World War, 1939-1945, Susquehanna University, Students
The war overshadowed many aspects of campus life and adjustments needed to be made by all. The sophomore class of 1942 seemed to understand this as can be seen in this Lanthorn yearbook page.
Air Raid Drill Instructions
Air Raid Drill Instructions
Safety, World War, 1939-1945, Susquehanna University, Air raid drills
Susquehanna University was not isolated from the concerns of World War II. In 1943, the University implemented procedures to be followed in the event of an air raid. Here we see the instructions for a daylight air raid drill that were distributed to the campus community. After seeking shelter in a nearby building, individuals were instructed to wait for the "all clear" signal to be broadcast by radio, and class bells or whistles.
Alumni Letter
Alumni Letter
World War, 1939-1945, 30 Gallant Men, Susquehanna University, Correspondence
Another letter from one of the "30 Gallant Men" describes his thoughts, feelings, and experiences of being away at war and how things will be back home after the war. This one is addressed to Ruth, written by Al while he was in Luzon in the Philippine Islands.
Alumni Letter
Alumni Letter
World War, 1939-1945, 30 Gallant Men, Susquehanna University, Hugus, Howard, Correspondence
A letter from one of "30 Gallant Men" portrays his thoughts, feelings, and experiences of being away at war. It is from Howard Hugus, who is writing from Nausis, Germany, in 1945.
Army Air Corps
Army Air Corps
Soldiers, Army Air Corps, World War, 1939-1945, Susquehanna University
The Federal Government contracted with Susquehanna University to house, feed, and educate men of the 35th Detachment of the Army Air Corps from March of 1943 to May of 1944. This photo shows staff officers of the Corps posing in front of Steele Science Hall, their headquarters.
Business School
Business School
Classrooms, Business School, Business Education, World War, 1939-1945, Susquehanna University, Students
The Business School underwent a few transformations at Susquehanna. In 1903, the Commercial Education Department became the School of Business which in turn became the School of Business Administration in 1924. These photos show students studying various business courses in 1945. Many of the students in these images are women. During the Second World War, the female enrollment exceeded the male enrollment at Susquehanna.
Class of 1945
Class of 1945
Students, World War, 1939-1945, Susquehanna University
The war had a profound impact on the Class of 1945. The call to service in the armed forces caused the original enrollment of eighty-seven during freshman year to drop to just eleven by 1944. The class discussed their history and looked toward a bright junior year in the 1945 Lanthorn.
Dance Chaperones
Dance Chaperones
Dance parties, Fraternities & sororities, World War, 1939-1945, Susquehanna University, Correspondence
The Second World War did its part to subdue social life at Susquehanna. However, the University did its best to sustain student life on campus. This image shows a letter sent to chaperones of an upcoming Fraternity Pledge dance. The war-time influence is apparent in the instructions given for procedures in the event of a blackout.
Dedication
Dedication
World War, 1939-1945, Susquehanna University, Dedications
In 1944, the senior class dedicated the Lanthorn yearbook to all of the Susquehanna University students serving their country in World War II.
Deployment
Deployment
World War, 1939-1945, Susquehanna University, Army Air Corps
In January 1942, President Smith received a telegram from the War Department that students enlisted in the Reserve Corps would be called to active duty at the end of the first semester term.
Student Handbook
Student Handbook
Handbook, World War, 1939-1945, Susquehanna University, Students
The war even made an appearance on the University's "Do You Know" list found in the 1944-1945 student handbook. The list detailed the number of Susquehanna University students serving in the country's armed forces.
Student Life
Student Life
Students, World War, 1939-1945, Susquehanna University
In this 1945 Lanthorn page, the sophomore class pondered the changes they faced when they returned to campus after freshman year. Many classmates had left to face the demands of war and this history is dedicated to them. Despite that sorrow, the class went on to make many fond memories in their sophomore year.
Student Life
Student Life
World War, 1939-1945, Susquehanna University, Student activities
As the country's involvement in the Second World War deepened, all colleges and universities were asked by the War Department to curtail the number of social activities held on their campuses. Susquehanna University responded to this request in several ways. The number of dances was reduced, football games and May Day pageants were suspended and Parent's Day, Founder's Day and Homecoming were celebrated on the same day.
Susquehannans Killed in World War II
Susquehannans Killed in World War II
Students, Soldiers, World War, 1939-1945, Susquehanna University, Dedications
In its 1947 edition, the Lanthorn dedicated a page in honor of all the members of the Susquehanna family who were killed in World War II.
Susquehannans Serving Their Country
Susquehannans Serving Their Country
Students, World War, 1939-1945, Susquehanna University
The doubt and fear caused by the war showed on the pages of the Lanthorn. The Class of 1945 took the opportunity to honor those students serving in the military. The class dedicated a full page in the 1945 Lanthorn to fellow students who had been called to serve their country.