November has just begun, which means one thing: the Fall Term of 2016 is almost over. It is time for the campus to start embracing the season of cold temperatures, finals cram sessions and that one precious hour of extra sleep on Nov 6 when Daylight Savings Time ends. Between poet laureates and vice presidential candidates visiting campus and, of course, the upcoming election, this November will surely be one for the archives here at Lawrence.
Lawrence has a very colorful history when it comes to the month of November. On Nov. 6, 1923, Lawrence College students ruined the fun fall tradition of sitting around a bonfire for the future generations of Lawrentians. After what the archives define as a “raucous Homecoming celebration,” the Executive Committee placed a ban on bonfires made by students on the Lawrence campus. So, as you pack away your firewood and cancel your plans for the evening after this news, take some time to reflect on how your actions will affect a whole campus for nearly a century.
Early November has been a big time for building dedications in Lawrence history. On Nov. 4, 1929, the dedication ceremony for the Alexander Gym II was held. The gym was described as: “A Temple of Health and Joy,” according to the archives of the event. The gym still upholds this legacy to this day, remaining a staple location for sporting events on campus. Nov. 5, 1956 marked the dedication of the all-women Colman Hall to the Lawrence campus. After 60 years, Colman Hall is now home to both men and women students at Lawrence.
The Lawrence campus was visited by former president of the United States, Richard M. Nixon on Nov. 13, 1959. At the time, Nixon was serving as Vice President during the Eisenhower administration, and visited campus to give a speech entitled “America and the World Community” in the Memorial Chapel.
Nov. 29, 1979 held the installation ceremony of Lawrence President Richard Warch. President Warch served the Lawrence community until 2004, and during that time was named one of the nation’s 100 top college presidents by the Exxon Education Foundation. Today, Warch’s name and legacy can be remembered by a quick trip to the Richard and Margot Warch Campus center.
The month of November has certainly held many important legacies of Lawrence University in its history. As we gear up for finals and conclude the fall term on campus, take some time to head to the archives, located in the Seeley G. Mudd Library, and learn some more about the rich history of Lawrence.
