Mansfield University - Carontawan Yearbook (Mansfield, PA)

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With the building of Straughn Hall in 1930, the college gained a fine new auditorium with a seating capacity of 1250. This scene shows Straughn Hall in the ' 30 ' s, before the Arts Building was built. 21

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South Hall, although remodeled in 1889, had been started in 1857 and was the oldest building on the campus. In fact, it is the story of this building ' s slow erection that forms so touching a part of the early history of the school. By 1950, however, only the lower floors of the old structure could be used, for the upper ones were too badh dilapidated. The wreckers went to work on old South Hall that same year, and soon it was gone. The new four-story men ' s dormitory, incorporating modern methods of construction and design, rose on the site of the old. The stark simplicity of the building makes an interesting contrast with the older architecture around it. The new Science Building, a one-story brick structure with a two-story section at the north end. added to the beauty of the campus, blending perfectly into the natural surroundings. Alumni Hall continued as a men ' s dormitory while the new dormitory was being built. By 1953, both new build- ings were completed and put into use. It was not long until the new men ' s dormitory had taken on a familiar name — South Hall. North Hall was by no means neglected. In 1950, a modern kitchen was built. In the summer of 1953, the building was given a new slate roof and the ten ornamental cupolas were removed. North Hall was made fireproof, and an enclosed fire escape was erected. To provide for the ever-growing number of automobiles on the campus, the college ' s parking facilities were im- proved in the summer of 1956. Beginning in September, 1951. a revised curriculum for all the Pennsylvania state teacher ' s colleges went into effect. Designed to place greater emphasis on general education, especially during the first two years, the revised curriculum takes advantage of recent developments in the field of professional teacher preparation. In 1955, the students of the college were provided with a Student Union, a place where they could go during the day for refreshments, recreation, and socializing. As a direct result of the forward-looking administration of Presi- dent Morgan, and the willingness of the members of the student body to help finance this project, a Student Union at Mansfield was opened in the fall of 1955. Today, The Hut, as the refurnished Y Hut is called, is a favorite gathering place for both students and faculty. The college was saddened on October 25, 1955, to learn of the sudden death of its dean of instruction, Herbert E. Manser. On June 1, 1956, he was succeeded by Dr. Harry W. Earlley who came to Mansfield from the Edinboro State Teachers College, Pennsylvania. Due to the policies of the administration and the encouragement of the faculty, many varied student organiza- tions on campus have formed an important part of life at Mansfield for many years. Through these clubs, associa- tions, honorary societies, professional fraternities, and music groups, students with like interests have had an op- portunity to work together and share their common interests. Special events, too, have highlighted each college year. Formal and semi-formal dances, week-end activities, musical concerts, football games, Homecoming Day, May Day — to name but a few — have added variety and excitement to college life. The Alumni Association of the college, of which Edwin S. Coles is president, has had as its purpose the preser- vation of a sense of identity among the alumni and the maintenance of continued contact between them and the college. Alumni Day, the last Saturday of the school year in May, is set aside specifically for the alumni, and it features many special activities, including a meeting of the association, class reunions, and an alumni exhibit. The vigor of the Alumni Association is also attested to by the existence of twelve alumni clubs in both Pennsylvania and New York. In one hundred years, Mansfield has graduated some eight thousand men and women. A large portion of these have entered the public school systems in Pennsylvania and other states putting to use the training that they re- ceived at Mansfield. Many have become elementary and high school teachers or principals, while others have served as superintendents of schools. Among Mansfield graduates, also, are the presidents of several teachers col- leges and the president of one of the nation ' s leading liberal arts colleges. Mansfield alumni have excelled in other fields, and include a former governor of Pennsylvania, members of gov- ernors ' cabinets, a justice of the State Supreme Court, ministers of various denominations, the president of a rail- road, hospital directors, and many others. The influence which Mansfield has exerted in many fields as a result of the achievements of its graduates is incalculable. 20

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Many Mansfieldians remember with nostalgia the old South Hall or men ' s dormitory, which was torn down in 1950. This is how the building looked in its last years on the campus. MANSFIELD FACES THE FUTURE Mansfield has indeed come far since those first days of struggle and hope one hundred years ago. This college has ample reason to be proud of the accomplishments of the past one hundred years. Yet, if an institution is to continue to advance, it must plan ahead for the future. It is with this realization that plans for an extensive program of improvements to the campus are being made under President Morgan ' s leader- ship. The four initial projects have been granted a total state allocation of $640,000. Planned for are a new adminis- tration and library building, a new athletic field, extension of utility services, and a comprehensive study of the campus. The administration and the library building, which has aroused the greatest interest of the four projects, has been alloted $520,000. The first floor of the new building will house the College Library, which has been occupy- ing temporary quarters in North Hall since the demolition of the old South Hall in 1950. On the second floor will be the administrative offices, which have been located in North Hall for many years. The style of the new building will be similar to that of the two most recent buildings on the campus. South Hall and the Science Building, but it will harmonize with the older buildings as well. The administration and librarv building is expected to be located approximately where Alumni Hall stands now. but the definite location will de- pend on the outcome of the comprehensive campus study. Alumni Hall will be torn down when the new building is constructed. When this historic old structure is finally demolished, many who have known Mansfield will feel a bit saddened, for even the clock tower, the only part of the building still in use today will have to be removed. However, the college is looking forward to the erection of a fine new clock tower to be an integral part of the administration and library building. Another part of the initial building program calls for a college athletic field, probably back of the Junior High School building. The new field will include a football gridiron, a baseball diamond, a cinder track, and facilities for home and visiting teams. Later, a field house, grandstand, and parking area will be added. 22