The December 1895 issue of the Davidson Monthly contains an editorial protesting required attendance for a Thanksgiving service. After noting that a survey the year before had revealed 78% of the student body opposed compulsory attendance for religious services, the editorial defended daily chapel before going on to declare, ” A most preposterous things it is, to try to make a man thankful when he is not, and equally as preposterous, if he is thankful to make him declare his thankfulness in a way he would not.” and “evidently if thanksgiving be under constraint, it is no longer thanksgiving, but a mockery and a sham.” (click on the image for the full editorial).
Compulsory Thanksgiving – A most preposterous thing?
November 23, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Looking at William Styron
October 13, 2009 By Leave a Comment
The recent publication of Letters to my Father (Louisiana State Press, 2009) reminds us of Styron’s connections to Davidson. The book, edited by James L. W. West, includes letters written between 1943 and 1953. Styron was a student in 1942-1943 and received an honorary degree from the college in 1986. The College Archives has a small manuscript collection that includes some of his student work and letters written later in life.
Summer School Sizzler
August 7, 2009 By Leave a Comment
“Tired gentlemen running around the campus are loudly proclaiming that this six week battle with heat and profs has been ‘the stupidest thing I’ve ever done.” But it’s about over now, and the prospect of approaching exams made everyone drool for joy.” So begins an article in a summer 1953 Davidsonian.
April Fools! 1930s Davidson Giggles
April 1, 2009 By 1 Comment
For April Fool’s Day, we have a selection of 1930s Davidson student cartoons for you to enjoy!
These cartoons came from the 1930s issues of two student publications: The Yowl and Scripts’n’Pranks. Learn about them at our Davidson College Encyclopedia.
-Tammy Ivins, Archives Fellow
