MacMurray College - Tartan / Illiwoco Yearbook (Jacksonville, IL)

Page 17 text:

And so the curtain falls upon the pageant of a century — a hundred years of dreams, success, discouragement, and neiv-found hope, bound together by the strength and vision of men and ivomen ivho had faith. Without dates there coiM be no histories icritten. Upon these bright spots in the passing years hang the significance of the little things tha t might otheriuise be forgotten. Let the spotlight flash for a moment upon these M.acMurr ay dates: 1852 — Eight girls became ,mIuj im of I. C. F. 1899 — Thanksgiving introduced our singing grace, Be present at our fable, Lord. 1847-1851 — The school was known as the Illinois Conference Female Academy. 1851-186 —Our name was the lllinotf Conifer cnce Female College. 1863-1899— LC. F. v abbrYviated wMhwis Female College 1 899-193 0 — dnrJitle ' mhJlliiiois W gman ' s Cdlege. 1930 — . W. C. beca firray College for Women. 1907 — LW.C. advanced to standard college rank. 1907 — The Alma Mater ivas first sung by the Glee Club as a concert encore. 1910 — The college seal tvas adopted. (Designed by Nellie Knopf). 1916 — Mr. MacMurray became a member of the Board of Trustees. Page Ttjirfeen

Page 16 text:

■ doscofing thJ years; ' silent spectator watches campus life unroll through f iccessive eras. She might visit a Civil War reception at which LC.F.C. girls hon- ored Jacksonville soldiers on their way to war. The turn of the century saw the college ' ' female become a woman. During World War I, Let us knit became a college slogan, and by gifts, stunts, and self-denying meals 1. W. C. raised substan- ' s tial sums for several tvar funds. Today the conclusion of World War II finds the MacMusray girl a veteran of loyal home front service through her purchase and sale of war bonds and stamps, motivated by such goals as the purchase of a bomber and of jeep parts. The heart of a college lies partly in its traditional celebrations. Founders Bay, Thanksgiving, and May Day are MacMurray ' s heritage. In 1909 Founders Day, Oc- tober 10, was first commemorated by students, alumnae, and friends. At first, a half- holiday, a lawn picnic, and a speaker of prominence (of whom William Jennings Bryan was one) ivas the order of the day. But as alumnae increased, a desire was felt for a simple and beautiful custom to bind together friends of the college wherever they might be. This desire ivas fulfilled through our Caudle Lighting Custom, ob- served on Founders Day and Alumnae Day. Thanksgiving Day has always found a beautiful expression on campus, and, through the years, have evolved our delightful customs of corridor breakfasts, dining hall decorations by the freshmen, and afternoon entertainment. Finally comes the climax of the year ' s social events — May Day. In 1908, the romance of Spring inspired I. W. C. students to celebrate in the traditional Old English fashion. Elaborate drills, tvinding dances around the May Vole, and the fioiver-sprinkled coronation of the Queen attracted nearly a thousand spectators to this colorful event. So successful was it that May Day became a tradition, which suc- ceeding generations have met tvith variety and ingenuity. Perhaps it is this web of traditions which winds pleasantly about the MacMurray girl, holding her forever close to her Alma Mater. Page Twelve

Page 18 text:

From dusty files and aging scrapbooks have emerged the above ghmpses of MacMurray history. Each picture represents a story of its own ... a Uttle treasure of tradition, gay days, and pleasures shared together. We can present to you here only a few of the interesting shots which our fascinating quest uncovered.