Penn State University - La Vie Yearbook (University Park, PA)

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16 Old Main Built ? 1 w t W i I i f I i . 1 he first students arrived for classes at .the Farmer's High School on a cold, snowy February morning in 1859. The only building they could find was a half-completed stone structure that served as their dormitory, library, dining hall, and classroom. Even though new buildings were com- pleted on campus, the old main building still housed the students and served as the primary center of activity. As the University expanded and dormi- tories werebuilt, Old Main became the stu- dent union and housed faculty offices. Or- ganizations, such as La Vie, were headquartered in the first floor. Deteriorated by small fires, the building was deemed unsafe in 1929 and was dis- mantled. Using the original stones and de- signs, the new Old Main was completed two years later to regain its reputation as the principal landmark of the University. Landmark In Excellence Mi

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1960-The new decade brought the end to both Ei- senhower presidencies and a new challenge. i961-The start of the afgnedilhyears and years row and ch the University. ange for 1962-The large 62 in the design had to be point- ed out to the unobservant. 11963-Referred to as the psychedelic one, this cave; Presented sixties Well. the early 1964-The simple design honored a nation in mourning over the assassi- nation of President Kennedy. 1?;5x7'he 75th Anni- low y of the first issue al- 9 La Vie to provide another 5 . Penal lo Penn State. 0k at 1966-The bolder cover showed that La Vie was moving towards the next anniversary in style. IU 010. Nittany Lion m . fed the cover spit e Tamed popular de- 9 relocation of Bea- ver stadium, 1968 - The cover that still holds the record for the largest representation of La Vie. 9691 he shattered title our American that was tom by and war. 1970-The title was re- flected and distorted as the yearbook was falling out of favor with the students. 1971-As the Vietnam War dragged on, student interest dwindled in con- ventional establishments, such as La Vie. 1972-The design was a combination of the Bell Tower and abstract draw- ings of camera sh utters and people. 1973 -0ur last year as a funded student publica- tion raised man y questions about the future of La Vie. 1974 -During the fuel shortage, this year was re- ferred to as the lean year for both La Vie and the nation. 1975 -During this peri- od, the future of La Vie was as uncertain as the future of Nixon's presidency. 1976-The status quo seemed to be the story for La Vie as the nation pre- pared for the summer's Bicentennial. 1977 - The Nittan y Lion Mascot being passed up the stands made his first ap- pearance on a La Vie cover. 1978 -As the football team emerged as a perenni- aI powerhouse, the Nit- tany Lian gained national exposure. 1979-A combination of popular campus landmarks an the cover hinted at the theme a decade later. 1980-.4 simple cover was appropriate for a frus- trating year with the Iran hostages and a troubled economy. 1981--The beginning of the Reagan Era brought more conservatism back to the nation and to La Vie. 1982 --For two years in a row, Old Main was an the cover and would be two more times in this decade. 1983-The Nittany Li- ons' fitst National Cham- pianship made La Vie sales soar as the book sold out quickly. 1984-With format and content changes, La Vie became a college publica- tion with a national reputation. 1985--The Nittany Lion Mascot waved the Penn State flag proudly on this cover that celebrated the individual. 1986-The Elms an The Mall were in danger until the senior class donated money to replenish them. 1987-The Lions' second National Championship highlighted a year when the Nittany Lion was everywhere. 1988 -The Scholar repre- sented Pattee Library, the foundation of the Univer- sity's knowledge. 1989-The Centennial Edition of La Vie celebrat- ed the landmarks achieved by Penn State and La Vie. '15

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y- 4., ,6 . . i he Bell Tower of Old Main shad- , 9- . , ' w . ows the lawn and can be seen over T3 . aw rooftops all over town. Its quarter- . f v ly chimes keep the University running on-schedule. Photo by Jim Swanik.