Every week, we’ll use STATEside to take a look back at the recent and not-so recent past, using the archives at the Vidette.
If you recall any of the campus happenings referenced in our This Week in Illinois State History feature, feel free to post in the Comments below.
10 Years Ago
Three months after a new town of Normal ordinance goes into effect, front lawns around the Illinois State campus are clear of upholstered furniture. The “cushy chair” ordinance meant to tackle health concerns (rodents and insects), fire hazards and general unsightliness. “It was a fairly big problem and needed to be dealt with,” said Normal Police Lt. Mark Kotte.
20 Years Ago
Alpha Gamma Rho and Gamma Phi Beta have found an interesting way to raise money for local charities. Their mud volleyball tournament will raise cash for Breaking New Ground, a charity benefiting local farmers with disabilities. The Greeks have worked on the event for 11 years now, usually drawing about 80 co-ed teams.
30 Years Ago
An advertisement in the Daily Vidette touts some newly finished improvements at the Bone Student Center and Braden Auditorium, including a new student center bookstore, video arcade, student lounge area, McDonald’s (coming soon) and travel agency. The changes are based on recommendations made in November 1981 by a special task force, which wanted a more student-oriented facility. “We are now beginning to see the fruits of our efforts to create a true student center,” Illinois State President Lloyd Watkins said.
50 Years Ago
Orientation week is in full swing. About 1,500 new freshmen (the Class of 1966) have arrived on campus. The campus in 1962 has two official positions that would sound strange in 2012: Dean of Men and Dean of Women. “We old-timers, faculty and students, know that newness can be confusing, a little frustrating, but work and play with us and you will soon be one of us,” writes Dean of Women Anna L. Keaton in a message to female students in the first Vidette of the year.
Ryan Denham can be reached at rmdenha@ilstu.edu.
