Headlines from Harvard history, May-June 1917-1982

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.”

Related topics

You might also like

Yesterday’s News

How a book on fighting the “Devill World” survived Harvard’s historic fire.

At Harvard’s Beck-Warren House, Ghosts Speak Many Languages

The quirky 1833 home now hosts Celtic scholars.

Yesterday’s News

A co-ed experiment that changed dorm life forever

Most popular

Harvard’s Epstein Probe Widened

The University investigates ties to donors, following revelations in newly released files.

The True Cost of Grade Inflation at Harvard

How an abundance of A’s created “the most stressed-out world of all.”

Why Men Are Falling Behind in Education, Employment, and Health

Can new approaches to education address a growing gender gap?

Explore More From Current Issue

A woman in a black blazer holds a bottle of beer.

Introductions: Mallika Monteiro

A conversation with a beer industry executive

Graduates celebrate joyfully, wearing caps and gowns, with some waving and smiling.

Inside Harvard’s Most Egalitarian School

The Extension School is open to everyone. Expect to work—hard.

Illustration of a person sitting on a large cresting wave, writing, with a sunset and ocean waves in vibrant colors.

How Stories Help Us Cope with Climate Change

The growing genre of climate fiction offers a way to process reality—and our anxieties.