Mississippi State University - Reveille Yearbook (Starkville, MS)

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PEDESTRIAN MALL Two opposite angles show the area of Lee Boulevard that is closed to motorized traffic. k Jf s Jill U«4 y Traffic Routing Plans lor PEDESTRIAN MALL MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY Effective September 4, 1978

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The section of East Lee Boulevard immediately in front of the YMCA Post Office Building was closed to motor- ized traffic on September 4 to create a pedestrian mall between the Post Office and the Union. When Dr. James McComas announced the creation of the mall he commented, The decision to implement the pedestrian mall has been made only after a lengthy study and consultation by administrators, students and experts. This study, which was conducted by the MSU Traffic Committee during the spring of 1978, showed that during peak traffic hours, an average of 1218 pedestrians and 738 vehicles passed through the area. At the time the mall was created, Chief John C. Moore of MSU Security said, The overwhelming majority of stu- dents I have talked to have been in favor of the mall, and a survey conducted by the REFLECTOR a few weeks later showed that most students were indeed in favor of the pedestrian mall. Prior to creation of the mall pedestrians faced a potential hazard while crossing Lee Boulevard. 12

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k • ••••••• ELECTIONS-78 •• • • Mississippi Elects First Republican Senator Since 1881 Even before all the votes were tabulated November 7, 1978, Thad Cochran and his supporters knew they had made history. He was the first Republican elected to represent Mississippi in the United States Senate since 1881. Cochran, a three term Congressman to the House of Represent- atives, beat three other candidates for the coveted seat vacated after thirty years by retiring Senator James Eastland. Maurice Dantin, Democrat, Charles Evers and Henry Kirksey, both Black Independents, were Cochran ' s opponents. The election drew attention from the national media because of the unprecedented possibility that the state might elect a Republican or Black senator. PEOPLE magazine featured Charles Evers before the election, and Cochran joined other newly elected officials on the cover of TIME magazine after the event. Campus organizations of College Republicans and Young Democrats both visibly campaigned for their party ' s candidate. Evers also enjoyed small, but strong, student support. Republican Thad Cochran 14