Susquehanna University - 1960 to 1969

On the cutting edge of technology, the Director of Admissions purchased a "time saving device" called an auto-typist in 1960. This machine came equipped with an IBM electric typewriter, could type 150 words per minute and would automatically type the body and closing of a letter after an operator entered the heading and personal greeting.

In order to keep the campus lawns green and beautiful, the Student Council requested that students use campus walkways and stop cutting across lawns. This article warned students that fines could result if that behavior did not change.

Originally square in shape, the frog pond in front of Steele Hall was rebuilt and rounded in 1936 by a group of area chiropractors as a thank you to the University for designing a course specifically for them. Students are seen admiring that long-ago handy piece of work in this 1967 image. While the pond remains, the fence has since been removed.

Founded in 1858 as a Lutheran school, Susquehanna University worked to maintain its faith-based foundation. In 1962, chapel services, often featuring guest speakers, were a requirement of all students.

The University's new student center opened its doors in 1968 and one of its most popular attractions was the game room. In addition to the pool and ping- pong tables shown in this image, students also enjoyed games of chess, checkers and Scrabble.

Ground was broken for the Univeristy's Student Center in 1965 and the building was dedicated in 1968. The Center's game room was a popular place to enjoy a game of pool, ping-pong, checkers or cards as described in this 1968 Crusader article. The next image provides an interior view of the game room.

The success of "The Association" concert in the spring of 1967 led the Student Government Association to decide that big name band concerts should replace the traditional Homecoming dances. The rock and soul group "The Young Rascals" was scheduled for Homecoming 1967 but the chance to participate in a European tour left the band unable to fulfill its contract. Instead, students would just have to settle for a rock band known as "The Doors".

The rock band "The Doors" perfomed during Homecoming weekend in 1967. Tickets were sold for $2.95-$3.95 each and 1,246 people attended the event. The band was paid just $5,000 and, after all related fees were paid, the Student Government Association saw a net profit of $57.34.

Organized in 1964, the Forensic Society inspired great debate. The group participated in debates in six states, winning the sweepstakes trophy at Elizabethtown College in 1965 and 1966 and appearing in a televised debate with Cornell University. Shown in these images are the Society's 1967 officers and membership.

The 1960 leap year Freshman Frolic was declared a success by The Crusader, the student newspaper. Hosted by the freshman class, the dance featured humorous entertainment with birch beer and pretzels for refreshments.

In a policy that would be considered surprising by today's standards, Susquehanna students were permitted to have hunting rifles on campus in 1968. The rifles were used for the purpose of hunting wild game. For a $1.00 fee, a rifle could be registered and held at the Student Personnel Office. The owner could check out the gun to hunt. Failure to register a rifle resulted in a $10.00 fine. Failure to return the weapon directly after hunting held a $5.00 fine. The entire gun policy is outlined in this image from the 1968-1969 Student Handbook.

Homecoming has been a great celebration at Susquehanna since 1922. Themed floats have played an entertaining role in Homecoming parades as fraternities and sororities often tried to out do each other in order to take home the trophy for the best float. These 1967 snapshots are just a few examples of the impressive floats Susquehanna has seen in its Homecoming History.