University of Arkansas Monticello - Boll Weevil Yearbook (Monticello, AR)

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Jackie Davis Doris Jones Diane Brown 64 Student Life

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Winnie Watson Divine Pine Bluff, Arkansas A M 1924-26, 51-52 The University of Arkansas at Monticello has long been a place of interest to me. | was there in the mid twenties and have returned regularly for further study. | have observed the many changes that have taken place. | also appreciate the fact that my children and grandchildren have been able to take advantage of its facilities. My introduction to the campus was preceded by a long train ride from Pine Bluff by way of Dermott to Monticello. From Monticello | rode a college bus with other would-be students to the campus. As we entered the college grounds the driver became a tour guide pointing out the prominent buildings. Wells Hall, a boys dormitory, was first on the right. Next came the Administration Building and to our left across a grove of magnificent oaks was the post office. Next on the circular drive was Willard Hall. This building would be our home while we were on campus. The Infirmary was on our left. The bus followed the drive to the rear of the campus passing through an area of barns and shops. One building especially attracted our attention. It was shed-like and open. Down the center there was a long table. On the tabl e were zinc wash tubs, and wash boards. Several black pots stood along the side. Each of us understood that this was where our clothes would be laundered while we were at the col- lege. The bus pulled up in the parking area and everybody claimed his baggage. | learned that my big blue trunk which held all my belongings, had been left in town. We walked along a concrete walk past the president's home and the Dining Hall toward the side entrance of Willard Hall. At the rear of the Administration Building there was a scaffold-like platform that a huge bell hung from. We soon learned that the Old Bell would govern our activi- ties to a certain extent, for its sound would announce meals, class breaks and meetings. The matron of the dormitory welcomed us to our new home and assigned rooms and roommates. Each room was furnished with a double bed, a dresser and a big study table. Closet space would be shared. Dinner would be served in the Dining Hall at six o'clock. The meals were served family style and the food was very good. Following the meal, students would assemble in the Oak Grove south of the Administration Building for planned activities, return to the dormitory and be in our rooms by ten o'clock. The first assembly of students was the following morning in the Administration Building. The President made announcements concerning registration and schedules. The courses offered were basic and choices were limited. Since this was a principally agricultural college, girls were expected to take an agricultural course. i had a profound respect for the instructors. Even the dairyman who substituted for the social science teach- er, was able to bring some interesting thoughts. Activities were limited but there were nightly con- tests, games and singing in the Oak Grove. Occasionally couples hiked around “‘The Square” with a chaperone of course. Also, the girls danced in the halls of Willard Hall each night to the tune of ‘Ja Da,” the ‘‘Missouri Waltz’ and others. Life on the campus in those years was relaxed and home-like. It was a perfect setting for learning. | appreciate the fact that | had this special privilege of being a student there in the early days. Over the years | have seen A M expand from a small struggling school with limited facilities to [ an institution of learning which not only serves the surrounding area, but at- tracts students from around the world.

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One of the most original facets of the Black Emphasis Week activities is the step show, an elaborate routine performed by members of the black Greek fraternities on campus, Kappa Alpha Psi and Phi Beta Sigma. The step show incorpo- rates what could be considered a form of dance with the preci- sion manipulation of a cane, done to the com- mand of a ‘drill sar- geant,’ or leader who barks the step com- mands combined with sometimes biting yet humorous verse. Total- ly unique, the step show never fails to draw a crowd of on- lookers who some- times find themselves precariously close to the rapidly swinging canes, weilded in a sword-like fashion by fraternity members. Guest speakers ap- pearing at this year’s Black Emphasis Week included alumni Shay Gillespie and Larry Henderson. Rev. Rob- ert Dickerson, Jr., of Pine Bluff was also fea- tured. Right: DURING THE course of the week-long activities the greek organizations present- ed a step show. Kappa Alpha Psi members and the Sigma Sweets (inset) entertain guests with their percision stepping.