Yesterday’s News

Headlines from Harvard history

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.”

You might also like

Tips of the Hat(s)

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

An Original Magna Carta, Hidden in Plain Sight

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

Alice Hamilton

Brief life of a public-health pioneer and reformer: 1869-1970

Most popular

Hold the Fries

Baked, boiled, and mashed potatoes are better.

The Latest In Harvard’s Fight with the Trump Administration

Back-and-forth reports on settlement talks, new accusations from the government, and a reshuffling of two federal compliance offices

What’s At Stake—Your Letters

Harvard Magazine readers respond to Harvard’s standoff with the Trump administration.

Explore More From Current Issue

Grid of headshots showing newly elected Harvard Overseers and Directors, with names and titles listed below each photo.

Alumni showed increased interest in this year’s elections.

An illustration of a green leaf being hit by a beam of light and bouncing off the leaf and then becoming a color prisim

Light-based analysis of botanical collections link plants to Earth’s changing climate.

Four Harvard Medal recipients shown in a side-by-side portrait collage, smiling and dressed in formal or casual attire.

Four people honored for exceptional service to the University