Dickinson State University - Prairie Smoke Yearbook (Dickinson, ND)

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It was common practice in pioneer institutions to accept students who had not yet completed high school and to teach them at whatever level they had attained. This was evident by the curricula divisions. The Prelim- inary Normal Course , was a one-year course designed for the older person who had not completed the eighth grade and should receive a rural teach- ing certificate upon completion of the course. There was two Advanced Normal Courses ; and an Irregular Course designed for those who were not pursuing a teaching certificate, but wished to further their general education. In December of 1918, President May made arrangements for adult educa- tion classes which were sponsored by the United States government and would provide the education required for Americanization and citizenship. Lavern Urlacher, New England, gets in a little studying in solitude on second floor May Hall. Jim Cermann and Tim Erhardt go over a story being prepared for publication in the Western Concept. Emmet Etzold and Joe Ibach watch a play while a very cool Blue Hawk looks on. Introduction 7

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Steve Meurer, sometimes known as Kentucky shoots over Bob Ness in a special JV-Alumni game early in the season. Senior Mary Lou Sadowsky looks somewhat bored with everything as she sits in the union. Below: F riends are a great cure for bordom as Gary Arnold appears on the scene. The first president of Dickinson Normal School was a position that was sought by eleven men from eight states. It was a unanimous selection of the Board of Regents to grant the position to Samuel T. May, superintendent of schools at Madison, South Dakota. His salary was set at $3,000 annually. Mr. May was a big man with a big voice who com- manded respect and would not ask more of anyone than he would expect of himself. May opened the school the fall of 1918, with classes beginning October 1. There was a faculty of five, who recieved salaries between $1,200 and $1,800, depending on their educational accom- plishments. There was no tuition, only a $5 registra- tion fee. 42 students attended. 6 Introduction

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Samuel T. May had an educational philosophy which he expressed in the first edition of the Prairie Smoke which was published in 1923. It was in the second paragraph of his message to the Class of 1923. There are two really great things in this world- love and service. If you seek happiness, you will attain it through love and service. If your heart is full of love and your hand is ready for service you have solved the greatest problem of life. Love and service are the fundamental things in our Christian religion and are the essential elements of greatness. They are the things that make the mother great. They make the teacher great. They will make everyone great. Mr. May also had an unofficial slogan for the school: enter to learn-depart to serve. The first building on the Dickinson State Campus was Stickney Hall, built in 1922 and now used for faculty offices. It was named after Dr. Victor Hugo Stickney, who's daughter Dorothy became a famous Broadway actress who starred in the production Life With Father which ran for eight years and set an all time performance record. May Hall was completed and moved into on March 29, 1924 and classes opened there on Monday March 31. Upper Left: TKE fraternity members rehearse for Hilltop Holiday. They are. Left to Right, Orrin Ceinert, Cordon Rettinger, Randy McCabe, Daryl Splichal, Steve Baransky, Glen Roshau, Chris Nolan and Glen Traquair. Introduction IA •