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

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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 . . .

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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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Tutoring systems were sot up so that help was offered in courses. This was a special aid for freshmen . . . BUTTERFIELD HALL It was not so long ago that Butterfleld was the sole residence for all the freshmen men. How- ever, even though the freshman class has become so large that it requires three dormi- tories, Butterfield, through tradition, has remained the frosh men ' s stronghold. This year ' s upperclassmen remember that all fresh- men in their time, and before them, were required to taste the long and tiring walk up Butterfield Hill. In spite of such a walk, the men at Butter- field were very successful in supporting the past fame of their dormitory. This year, as for many years in the past, and under the direc- tion of the social chairman. Herb Marsh, the dorm had very successful Christmas and Spring dances, and continued to show their hospitality to the freshman girls in their exchange suppers. The men at Butterfield were very su the past fame of their dormitory . . . sful in supporting