Lehigh University - Epitome Yearbook (Bethlehem, PA)

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CHRISTMASSAUCON HALL to the Band, that it hegan to grow to its present stature. Now that some idea has been given of the approved extra-curricular activities oi Lehigh Men during a part ot the University s history, a picture of the actual life of the college student in the good old days should prove interesting. The way he lived, where he lived, and what he did for recreation and amusement changed as the times changed and as the University expanded its facilities. As has been mentioned before, the hrst forty Lehigh men were at least sixteen years of age and possessed good moral character. What they found when they arrived would certainly surprise the men of today. Instead of a large well- developed campus they found Christmas Hall. Period! Although ground had been broken for magnificent Packer Hall on July 1, 1866, it was still in the process of construction and was not available for dormitory, chapel, classes, ad- ministration, and museum until September two years later. Before they were accepted for ad- mission these students had to take the pledge fjy signing their names to the statement: 1 promise to obey faithfully the Laws and Regula- tions of the Lehigh University, and to give full, [jrompt, and cheerful obedience to all its offi- cers. Something about the student dciy — Since he lived and went to school in the same building, the 1866 version of Joseph College was able to S[5end an extra fifteen minutes in bed. Mr. George Washington Smith aroused the boys early or at least in time so that they could attend the 8:45 chapel recjuired of all. It went hard with the student who failed to attend these daily exercises, but it was really unpleasant if he missed Sun- day service at the chapel or the church of his choice. Classes were much the same as they are to- day, the principle of instruction being textbook with supplementary lectures. The Hrst chemistry students were pleasantly surprised when, on the first day of classes. Prof. Wetherhill handed out printed pamphlets containing the thirty-some lec- tures he was to deliver during the course of in- struction. No cuts were allowed, however, so the device was actually an aid to learning rather than a deterrent to it, or so it was claimed. Unfortunately, a long-standing policy of Le- high University has been Saturday classes, and the original Lehigh men found the situation much as we find it today. However, they had only one class, from immediately after chapel (9:00) to 10:00. With six professors, not including G. W. Smith, and only forty students there was plenty of class and laboratory work to be as- signed. When an old grad tells you he worked hard back then, he s probably telling the truth for Lehigh s assignments were tough! As an ad- ditional hazard to high grades, the gas lights in the dormitory were turned off by 11 p. m. and there were proctors living in nearby rooms to insure compliance with the regulations. If the frosh of 1866 were to believe the first 16

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E 1TRANCE TO SAY RE PARK Xo attempt to portray tne early history of stu- dent activities would be complete without infor- mation regarding musical organizations. Under- graduates or 1952 feel this facet of Lenign s per- sonant - through such media as the Spring Mu- sic Festival, the Glee Glut), the Band, and many other University musical activities. When good fellows got together and a few glasses of beer undoubtedly were in evidence, it must have been quite natural for the old residents of Ghristmas and Packer Halls to break into song. In line with the desire to sing it was inevitable that musical organization.s should s[)ring up. One or tfie first of these was the choir whose personnel appears initially in the 1875 Epitome. The Glee Club began its rise in 1890 when Dr. J. F. Wolle took over its direction and in 1894 the men of the club were giving concerts in many eastern cities. Also travelling with them were the Banjo and Mandolin Clubs. In 1900 the Lehigh Uni- versity Musical Association was formed by the combination of these three groups. Lehigh, loo. had its share of quartettes and sextettes: most of the classes graduating during the 1800 s had their own small vocal organizations. One Epitome lists a unique orchestra, evidently formed by students majoring in chemistry, com- posed of such rare instruments and personnel as the Fish-horn Soloist, E ' ' Retort, Soloist on the Beer Mug, and Organ (ic) Manipulator, Among other musical events worthy of note during the early years of Lehigh are the compo- sition of the Alma Mater by John J. Gibson 95 who wrote the words to the tune of Annie Lyle, and the first Packer Chapel [icrformance of the Bach Festival in the school year 191 1-12. Our fasl-stc|)f ing Brown and While Band made its afif)earance in 190-1 iind r the name of the Lehigh Orchestra. Around 1908 the Band was formed as such but it was not until the middle twenties, when the Bethlehem Steel Com- pany donated instruments and other equipment 13

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register of the University, tliey probably wrote home to their parents. The health or Bethlehem is proverbial. The air is pure and extremely in- vigorating. At the time Bethlehem s weaUh of industry along the Lehigh River had not yet grown to its amazing proportions of today and the river was a favorite place of recreation. Swimming (believe it or not) and skating were the vogue in season (the Lehigh froze over in those days). Also located on the Lehigh River was the ro- mantic Calypso Isle to which stalwart Lehigh men were probably wont to row and canoe for picnics and Sunday afternoons. Of course, the taverns of the Borough of South Bethlehem and its neighbor across the river were great tempta- tions to Lehigh men of the early years and many succumbed to the attraction. Students got to- gether in rather closely knit social groups, which evolved into Eating Clubs and later to fraternity living groups. Each of the Eating Clubs de- veloped its own name and motto; one, the Cannibals, selected the aptly phrased slogan. We don t eat men, but don t we men eat. The fashions of the day led to a nickname for well-dressed Lehigh men — dudes, denned by the Burr as men who brush their hair into their eyes and wear tight pants. The young Bethiehemites often took exception to the natty attire, ail of which caused the Bethlehem police much dis- may and a few young men bruised knuckles and black eyes; but it was all in fun, even the pitched battles. The Townies often fought for, instead of against, the men on the hill when Lafayette moved into town for one of the annual sport clashes. And the Lehigh men, then, as now, had their complaints against the toll collector on the New Street bridge as a Burr article which H: JAMES WARD PACKARD LABORATORY ' s: i: w . . .i ' • ' • 9 ■