Susquehanna University - 1950 to 1959

The nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union was in full swing in the 1950s. The inevitability of war and what its effects might be were on the minds of many. Susquehanna University students weighed in on the matter in this 1951 article from The Susquehanna (student newspaper).

The Susquehanna University community has always come together in a time of need and most particularly during war time. This newspaper article details the need for blood during the Korean War and encourages students to donate not only for the soldiers but also to keep up the reserves on the homefront.

Students pass the time playing cards.

Susquehanna University and the Snyder County Historical Society held a dedication ceremony outside of Selinsgrove Hall. A plaque hangs on the side of the building commemorating the students of the Missionary Institute who fought in the Civil War. This photo shows the Susquehanna University Band playing the National Anthem at the Ceremony.

This 1956 image shows the female freshman students with President G. Morris Smith's wife at the president's residence, Pine Lawn. The students were welcomed by Mrs. Ruth Smith during orientation week. The women had a longer orientation period in an effort to encourage friendships.

In order to have freshmen students feel more comfortable in their new surroundings at college, the Orientation Committee would hold a "Frosh" party for the freshman. Shown is a invitation to a "Frosh" party, held the day before Valentine's Day.

We see from left to right, Peter Nunn, Jane Scott and Betty Ann Ormond moving into the dorms during orientation week in 1956.

Hazing at Susquehanna University began around 1898 and ended in the late 1960s. Coordinated by the Student Council, hazing usually involved embarassing but harmless antics performed by first year students at the direction of the upperclass students. The hazing period usually ended with Homecoming. This 1956 image shows freshman students standing on and around the sun dial in front of Selinsgrove Hall holding umbrellas and sacks and wearing mismatched footwear.

Stan Manning, Pat Hess, Dwight Keener, Eleanor Borski, Francis Drumm relax in GA Hall Student Lounge.

A student lounge and snack bar was housed on the first floor of the newly renovated Gustavus Adolphus Hall. In 1955, students made good use of the space. Notice that smoking was permitted.

College years are seen as a time for growing and making long lasting friendships. The photos shown are examples of how college life was for students in 1953.

College life was full for students in the 1950s. Shown here are snapshots of student life on campus in 1955. Note the dinks worn by freshmen in the upper left hand corner.