University of Massachusetts Amherst - Index Yearbook (Amherst, MA)

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ichairman. Dances were held on a larger scale than ever this past year, with motifs and decorations of unusual originality. At teas the students, especially those new to cannpus, had a chance to meet the faculty and administration informally, hiere was a lesson in the social graces necessary for any hostess or guest. Still social were the activities in the rec room, which as always, was the busiest place in each dorm. When tired of studying, we always found here a retreat where there was sure to be a game- of bridge or a group discussion in progress, either one a welcome relief for a weary mind. An unusual event sponsored by a dormitory was the Knowlton hlouse Variety Show. With talent gathered from all over campus, the girls organized a show, the profits of which went towards purchas- ing new furniture for the house. Group participation in extra-curricular activities was a strong bond within each house. Thatcher took first place in the women ' s division of the float rally. Women ' s Athletic Association ' s intramural sports program showed cooperation to be the key to a successful athletic season for dormitory teams. That was dormitory — parties, dances, the rec room, practical jokes, sports, rallies, discussions, bridge, friends, and studies. It was far more than just a place where one could fall into bed after a day ' s activity. THATCHER Ml For the first time in the school ' s history, Thatcher hHoll was an all-freshman woman ' s dormitory this year. The lock of college experience, however, did not stop the girls from showing a great deal of spirit and ingenuity in planning events for the dorm. Starting the year off with music, the freshmen held a dance on the Eve of Columbus Day. Under co-chairmen of social events, Ginny Par- sons and Ruth Burns, the rec room was decorated ' in a nautical theme with port-holes, life pre- servers, buoys, and other maritime riggings, and the S.S. Thatcher was underway with a big splash! After Dean ' s Saturday the freshmen became evident in campus activities and showed the kind of enthusiasm that makes college worth- while. After Dean ' s Saturday the freshmen . . . showed the kind of enthusiasm that makes college worthwhile.

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mmu HOUSE This year the cloistered halls of Knowlton House took on a new atmosphere, for girls finally moved Into their new dorm. Among the changes that took place, the most out- standing additions were the new drapes and the pastel furniture for the center and the rec room. A sound-proofed telephone booth, towel racks, curtain rods, and hooks on the walls were also added to give the dorm that homey look. At the beginning of the year, the girls of Knowlton, under the guidance of Bettino hlollls and Mary Lowry, organized a variety show of local talent. The proceeds from the show and the dance which followed it were donated to the house for the purpose of buying a radlo-vlctrola. It wos this enthusiastic start which intro- duced a very successful year for Knowlton. with the increased enrollment of freshmen women, the co-eds took over another dormitory, Knowlton House . . . The dorms were social centers and study ha well as the traditional networks of bedroor Here wos the first place to meet new friends- friends to be remembered long after four yea of collge . . .

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BROOKS HOUSE with world politics in a poor state, discussing the Korean situation. ere spent The men ' s domflWfl WS over the four corners o f campus, and each one carried out a full program of activities. Hamlin h ouse, in the midst of the women ' s quadrangle an d therefore the butt of many jokes about its location, enjoyed a very successful year of social and athletic activities. At the same time the residents increased their ocquaintances among the co-eds in their section of campus. Butterfield, the Waldorf of the University, was, as usual, the scene of the President ' s reception in the fall and of many dances throughout the year. Cafeteria problems arose as they invariably do, but that was always port of college. The dormitories seemed to have a new aim for a better education. Tutoring systems were set up so that help was offered in all courses. This was a special aid for freshmen, but others who needed help were welcomed into the special groups. At Chadbourne o magazine collection was started to provide relaxing literature for the resi- dents. Additions from private subscriptions were put into a group library from which the entire house derived benefit. With the entrance of freshmen residents. Brooks House this year opened its portals for the first time to representatives of all classes. Shortly after the beginning of the school year the recreational activity at Brooks hit its peak. The upperclassmen promptly took the fresh- men under their collective wing and proceeded to teach them the fundamentals of bridge and pinochle. The dorm entered the social world early in the first semester with on open house dance that drew a capacity crowd. Through the combined efforts of all classes, a second semester fling, held early in the semester, was equally successful. Dormitories were on integral part of college, the place to shoot the breeze and to relax . . .