High-resolution, full color images available online
Search, browse, read, and print yearbook pages
View college, high school, and military yearbooks
Browse our digital annual library spanning centuries
Support the schools in our program by subscribing
Privacy, as we do not track users or sell information
Page 17 text:
“
'30's was the emergence in the Houses of the slow starters . In the '20's much depended on a fast start. You got into some swim or other as a Freshman, and from then on you were known, advanced if you were good, carried along if you weren't. But if you didn't get into the swim early, you probably never did. One result was that the Class leaders of Freshman year were usually still leading four years later, and this the Houses changed. Living in a community instead of a desert had good effects for many, and for the College, but it certainly undercut the long-standing near monopoly of College leadership by the prep school men. I am sometimes asked about the elations of students, faculty, and administration over the fifty years. In this day of confrontations and student power the topic is certainly fraught with interest. Superficially, in view of the McNamara and Dow incidents, and in view of the sense of outrage expressed by certain of the more dedicated, the change looks considerable. Yet, from my memory and the few records that I have been able to consult, I wonder. Undergraduate resentment of faculty decisions was rare in the '20's, but it did occur. (Incidentally, all decisions from above were regarded as faculty decisions then, and later. The dichotomy between faculty and administration was unperceivcd, because it wasn't there. Now it is perceived; but it still isn't there.) When undergraduate resentment did become aroused it was expressed, sometimes excessively in the Crimson, sometimes more quietly, but very clearly, in talks with the President or the Dean of the College. The tone was that of a disagreement between Harvard men (this feeling was very strong), and the President or Dean always, I think, made his position understandable, if not palatable. And since he had to decide, his decision was accepted. Frequently, be it said, the final decision was altered, if not withdrawn, after the confrontation. Only in 1940 and 1941 do I remember serious and extended picketing. In those years Mr. Conant came out, as an individual, not as spokesman for the University, in favor of getting into the war. A convinced and vocal group decided to demonstrate against his position, and to do so by picketing. The times being what they were, they sought out the Secretary to the Corporation to discuss the best place to get wide public attention without creating disorder, and for the month of May, 1941, Seniors in caps and gowns picketed the McKean Cate throughout the month. They had a position to make clear, and they made it. Customs change, at least externally, but I notice that current protest, if responsibly conceived, includes faculty participants. That indicates that the change is not very fundamental, that Harvard men have not yet split along the generation gap.
Are you trying to find old school friends, old classmates, fellow servicemen or shipmates? Do you want to see past girlfriends or boyfriends? Relive homecoming, prom, graduation, and other moments on campus captured in yearbook pictures. Revisit your fraternity or sorority and see familiar places. See members of old school clubs and relive old times. Start your search today!
Looking for old family members and relatives? Do you want to find pictures of parents or grandparents when they were in school? Want to find out what hairstyle was popular in the 1920s? E-Yearbook.com has a wealth of genealogy information spanning over a century for many schools with full text search. Use our online Genealogy Resource to uncover history quickly!
Are you planning a reunion and need assistance? E-Yearbook.com can help you with scanning and providing access to yearbook images for promotional materials and activities. We can provide you with an electronic version of your yearbook that can assist you with reunion planning. E-Yearbook.com will also publish the yearbook images online for people to share and enjoy.
