Yesterday’s News

From the pages of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin and Harvard Magazine

1917

The Crimson endorses wartime prohibition; Harvard Alumni Association officials advise against serving liquor at reunions.

1922

Despite the belief of many alumni that “one does not advertise one’s mother,” the Associated Harvard Clubs Policy in Publicity committee advises repeal of the rule forbidding photographers in the Yard on Commencement day and encourages use of “the moving picture as a medium for pictorial record and current information” about Harvard.

1927

As the Weeks Bridge is dedicated and the Fogg Museum opens, debate rages over the planned construction of the $1-million Memorial Church. Alumni write to complain that they would rather have a memorial swimming pool.

1942

Undergraduate dinner conversation includes “the sugar rationing system, the bicycle shortage, and the cuffless-trousers-for-victory campaign.”

1947

The faculty discusses extending wartime rules that let some Radcliffe students take classes at Harvard. The New York Times calls it “one more step in the emancipation of the female, who was long considered above or beneath the need for higher education.”

1952

More than a thousand people gather in Harvard Square to welcome “Pogo” cartoonist Walt Kelly to Harvard for a lecture and “Pogo for president” rally. When Kelly is delayed, some in the crowd begin blocking traffic. Cambridge police move in, and by evening’s end, 28 undergraduates have been arrested.

1957

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences endorses the creation of a visual arts center and of a theater, because of a “lively resurgence of undergraduate interest in the dramatic arts since World War II.” John L. Loeb ’24 contributes $1 million toward the theater a week later.

1967

Radcliffe president Mary Bunting prohibits cigar smoking in Hilles Library.

1977

Under a new agreement, Harvard and Radcliffe will maintain a coordinate relationship: Radcliffe will retain its institutional independence but delegate responsibility for undergraduate affairs and instruction to Harvard.

1982

Kermit the Frog addresses graduating seniors in Sanders Theatre, telling them, “As you set sail on the great vacation of life, think of Harvard as your travel agent.”

Click here for the May-June 2012 issue table of contents

You might also like

Tips of the Hat(s)

On regalia, a Jack-of-all-trades retirement, and a Bok’s office bon mot.

Yesterday’s News

Including profundity and pretzels

An Original Magna Carta, Hidden in Plain Sight

A rare original surfaces at Harvard at an “almost providential” moment. 

Most popular

Two Momentous Faculty Retirements

Arthur Kleinman and Harry Lewis depart the classroom.

House Committee Subpoenas Harvard Over Tuition Costs

The University must turn over all requested materials related to tuition and financial aid by mid-July. 

The Professor Who Quantified Democracy

Erica Chenoweth’s data shows how—and when—authoritarians fall.

Explore More From Current Issue

Harvard Economist Nicole Maestas on Aging and Health Policy

The Harvard health economist not afraid to get in the weeds

Harvard Summer Reading Picks | 2025

The wealth gap, shamanism, the life of David Nathan, and more

Can an Orange a Day Stave off Depression?

A research study digs into the gut microbiome.