Category Archives: Histories

History of sweatshop protests at SU, 2000-2001

Origins

Students who casually wandered through the quad on March 24, 2000 were in for a surprise. Twelve Syracuse University students were riding around mostly naked (some in underwear) on various mountain bikes, covered only by signs. In addition to the signs, some of the riders also had written on their bare bodies in marker. Many of these students represented the Students Coalition on Organized Labor (SCOOL), a group of student activists that protested against unfair labor policies.  When asked about the unique protest, Pat O’ Leary, a member of SCOOL, claimed, “We would rather go naked than wear sweatshop-labored clothes.” Due to the belief that large, powerful companies would skew the monitoring results for their own profit and benefit, students were pushing Chancellor Kenneth A. Shaw to join the Worker Rights Consortium. The WRC was and still is an independent labor rights monitoring organization. Under its watch, factory inspections are conducted at random by the consortium, and public reports are given on the consortium’s website. A main focus of the consortium is to inform the public of the true conditions of these factories, and to improve respect of workers’ rights.4 In addition, the WRC serves as an outlet where workers can explain their concerns without the fear of reprisal. Syracuse students favored the WRC because they felt that workers overseas would benefit more from the consortium as opposed to the FLA.

Other Tactics

Prior to the naked bike ride, SCOOL attempted to demonstrate in other ways. One of the first small protests they organized occurred on February 28, 2000. A homemade sign with the words “Sweatshop University” was hoisted up during a men’s basketball game in the Dome, fluttering in the air for all to see. Within a blink of an eye Public Safety and Dome personnel escorted SCOOL members peacefully out of the building. As a result of displaying this banner for such a minuscule amount of time, the message was not clear to fellow students.5

One month later in March, around the same time as the naked bike ride, students gathered together for an organized march and began their way to the administration building. “Keep SU Sweatshop Free, Sign on to the WRC” was chanted in unison accompanied by signs. Getting into the building was not a problem, but a barrier was soon approached. Department of Public Safety officers kept the students from handing a petition signed by 1,200 people to Chancellor Shaw. Instead the petition was ignored and discarded.6

With no further action taken after Sweatshop Awareness Week, SCOOL held a rally on October 29 at the SU School of Law to once again demand the support of the University. The rally served as a warning to the administrators that direct actions would continue to be taken, and featured guest speakers from the Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC) and SCOOL. Over twenty members of SCOOL preached their beliefs to students visiting SU for a New York Public Interest Research Group conference. The speeches encouraged students to begin to take action and pressure their schools to join the WRC. Floating over the crowd was a giant Chancellor Shaw head 7, as cheerleaders continuously chanted. At this point in conflict, 62 schools had already joined the consortium.

Even after the various protests, a petition that gained the support of SU’s Student Government Association, and a meeting with the chancellor, SU still did not join the WRC. Curtis Rumrill, a student activist at the time, described Shaw as uninformed about the issues stating, “He’s a really good diplomat, very good at not answering questions. He implied that sweatshops are a cultural phenomenon and asserted that we shouldn’t impose our labor standards on other cultures.” SU’s spokesman Kevin Morrow argued that Chancellor Shaw was well informed and concerned about workers’ rights claiming, “Everyone involved in the sweatshop fight agrees on the desired outcome – better working conditions. How to achieve that outcome is still being determined.” 8

On November 30 at 6:30 AM, members of the Syracuse Community Action Network (SCAN) hung a banner across Hendricks Chapel saying, “Wake up Shaw. Sweatshops are the Problem. The WRC is the solution.” SCAN members had climbed scaffolding in place for repairs on Hendricks to hang the banner. It was taken down 4-5 hours later because the group did not get permission to post it.9

Outcome

In early December 2000, an advisory board continued to recommend that Shaw not join the WRC. The majority of the 14-member panel was against joining the WRC due to “…concerns about the organization’s operating budget – $300,000 compared to the FLA’s $2 million – the group’s lack of relationship with the corporations it polices, the quality of its monitoring and its current lack of not-for-profit status.” However, the advisory board did agree to have a representative from the WRC present a different perspective at the next meeting. SCOOL was not surprised that the board was against joining the WRC, claiming that its members only cared about the money aspect of the situation.10

A few months later the advisory board gathered to make a recommendation about the WRC to Chancellor Shaw. Their final decision was surprising. The board advised that the University should join the WRC, and on March 27, 2001, Chancellor Shaw agreed. Kevin Morrow, SU’s spokesman, stated, “The decision was based upon the university’s confidence in the direction of the organization and the organization’s new leadership under executive director Scott Nova. We look forward to supporting the activities of the Worker Rights Consortium as well as the work done by the Fair Labor Association and the Collegiate Living Wage association.”11 Along with the new leadership of the consortium, publicized working conditions of a factory located in Kukdong, Mexico helped to persuade the members of the board. The WRC investigated this factory and found that, “Child labor was used and that’s in violation of Mexican Law.” Along with child labor the factory also “…admitted that they beat, called the workers names, screamed at them and did not pay them minimum wage.” Lastly, the “Workers’ right to organize was not being respected.”12 Although this factory was not currently manufacturing apparel for Nike, they had made collegiate apparel for SU in the past.

This decision made Syracuse University the 76th school to become affiliated with the WRC.13 Shaw also decided to maintain ties with the FLA. Other universities such as Boston College, Cornell University, and University of North Carolina are affiliated with both the WRC and FLA also. “The groups can and should be complimentary to one another”, stated Bob Durkee representative for universities to the FLA board of directors. Syracuse University is currently associated with both organizations.14

 Notes

  1. Steffens, Nicholas. “Naked bike riders protest sweatshops.” The Daily Orange. 27 March 2000: Print.
  2. Arweiler, John. “Students continue sweatshop fight.” The Daily Orange. 22 March 2000: Print.
  3. “Fair Labor Association.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Web. 1 April 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_Labor_Association>
  4. “Worker Rights Consortium.” The Worker Rights Consortium. 2007. Web. 1 April 2014. <http://www.workersrights.org/>
  5. Graf, Ashleigh. “Students protest SU ‘sweatshop’ affiliations.” The Daily Orange. 28 Feb. 2000: Print.
  6. Auer, Holly; McKenna, Magin. “Students press Shaw.” The Daily Orange. 31 March 2000: Print.
  7. Arweiler, John. “Students continue sweatshop fight.” The Daily Orange. 22 March 2000: Print.
  8. Arweiler, John. “Students continue sweatshop fight.” The Daily Orange. 22 March 2000: Print.
  9. Rezsnyak, Eric. “Shaw Not Sweating SU’s Sweatshop Decision.” Syracuse New Times. 8 Nov. 2000. HighBeam Research. Web. 27 March 2014.
  10. Rezsnyak, Eric and Allison Self. “SU Cool to SCOOL.” Syracuse New Times. 13 Dec. 2000. HighBeam Research. Web. 27 March 2014.
  11. Rezsnyak, Eric. “SU Joins Anti-Sweatshop Consortium.” Syracuse New Times. 11 April 2001. HighBeam Research. Web. 27 March 2014.
  12. Foldes, Sharon. “Sweatshop monitoring groups confirm violations.” The Daily Orange. 26 Jan. 2001: Print.
  13. Ludden, Peter. “Syracuse University Joins List of ‘Sweatfree Schools’.” The Post-Standard. 5 April 2001: Print.
  14. Fleming, Brendon. “Committee chooses to join WRC.” The Daily Orange. 26 March 2001: Print.

Cultural Festivals

Part of Syracuse’s love for festivals comes from it’s appreciation for diversity and culture. Throughout the summer, many weekends are devoted to festivals that celebrate a culture with respect to both its heritage and its Syracuse roots. All of these festivals are free, non-profit organizations that are built and created by passionate locals and frequented by Syracuse natives from all walks of life. Offering live music, delicious authentic food, and plenty of activities for both adults and children, the variety of culturul festivals hosted in Syracuse is a great thing to check out on a beautiful summer day.

 

***Dates may change yearly. Please see websites provided for exact dates and times.

 

Middle Eastern Festival

Every year in July, St. Elias’s Antiochian Orthodox Church hosts its annual Middle Eastern festival. Outside you’ll find live music and performances by the dance groups. In the adjacent tent festival goers can order authentic Middle Eastern food. Make your way inside to find the Souk Marketplace where they sell gold and unique imported merchandise. A live cooking demo is done on Saturday with WCNY’s Julie Tabouli. The festival is held at 4988 Onondaga Road in Syracuse.

For more information: cultural-festival

Macedonian Festival

Every year in August, St. George’s Macedonian Orthodox Church hosts their annual cultural festival featuring authentic Macedonian food, desserts, beverages, music, and dancing. Festival goers can sit outdoors and enjoy the sunny weather while listening to a live band, “Merak,” and sampling native foods cooked fresh to order. Their dance troupe, “Kitka,” will entertain you with their lively takes on traditional numbers. Make your way inside to the banquet hall where you’ll find their huge dessert bar, serving not only authentic Macedonian treats, but popular American sweets, cookies, and cakes for all palletes! Take a tour of the church and discover their beautifully painted floor to ceiling al frescos! Children will be sure to be entertained with bounce houses and games! Seating is available indoors and outdoors to accommodate everyone! The festival is located at 5083 Onondaga Road in Syracuse.

For more information: For more information: cultural-festival

Irish Festival

The Guinness Syracuse Irish Festival is the perfect place to enjoy traditional Irish cuisine and heavy draft beers while listening to live bands playing both contemporary and traditional Celtic music. And being set up in Clinton Square, it’ll almost feel like the streets of Dublin itelf! Besides live music, you can also enjoy entertainment from folk dancers and bagpipe players, getting a true taste of the traditions of Irish culture and spirit. The festival runs for 2 days in the first week of September and is located in the downtown area of Syracuse, NY. [2]

For more information:

Greek Festival

Every summer, St. Sophia’s Greek Festival kicks off the Syracuse festival season with simmering hot gyros. Located in the parking lot of St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church, this festival has grown bigger and bigger every year. It offers plenty of live entertainment including traditional Greek bands and dancers. In celebrating the culture of Greece and its traditions, the festival also has a Greek food marketplace and grocery store that sells dry goods, olives and cheeses. The festival runs for 4 days, and is held at St. Sophia’s in DeWitt, NY. Admission is free, with food and beverage costs varying. [3]

For more information: http://www.syracusegreekfest.com/

Italian Festival

Italian Fest, also known as Festa Italiania, was made for anyone with a big appetite for pasta and gellatos. More than twenty restaurants-some of which come from Syracuse’s own Little Italy-participate in this celebration of Italy’s deep family heritage and cooking traditions. The festival runs for 3 days and is set up in front of City Hall on Washington St. in the downtown area of Syracuse, NY. [1]

For more information: http://www.festaitaliana.bizland.com/

 

Juneteenth Festival

In recognition of June 19th, 1865, the day the last American slaves heard news of their freedom, Syracuse is host to an African-American cultural festival that celebrates pride in the black culture. Although the festival offers entertainment that speaks of black heritage, it also provides attendees with a lot of information regarding political issues surrounding the black community. The progressive environment of this festival lets people know they truly are apart of a community. The festival is held in Clinton Square in the downtown area of Syracuse, NY. [4]

Links

For more information: http://syracusejuneteenth.org/

History of the Saltine Warrior

History of the Saltine Warrior

Overview

Saltine Warrior mascot at an SU football game in 1977.

Saltine Warrior mascot at an SU football game in 1977.

The Saltine Warrior was the official mascot of Syracuse University for 47 years from 1931 to 1978. The article claims excavation revealed the ancient location of an Onondagan “fortress or tribal house” which had been destroyed by a fire but included the remains of arrowheads, flint instruments, and fragments of textile.  The Orange Peel credits Dr. Burges Johnson for the announcement of the archaeological findings. The Orange Peel writes “for nearly two years campus experts have been working quietly upon those textile fragments” in order to reveal “the portrait of an early Onondagan chief” painted by Hibbardus Kleine, “undoubtedly one of those intrepid Jesuit explorers” first to visit the area. The name of the Chief depited in the portrait was “O-gee-ke-da Ho-schen-e-ga-da”, which The Orange Peel claimed translates to mean “The Salt (or salty) warrior” in English . The statue currently stands in the south-east corner of Shaw Quadrangle next to the Shaffer Art Building.

For 45 years, many people believed the legend of the Saltine Warrior was true. This was due in large part to media reports as factual by The Daily Orange, The Alumni News, and downtown Syracuse papers . “The thing that offended me when I was there was that guy running around like a nut. That’s derogatory” Lyons explained . Onkwehonweneha arranged a meeting with the Onondaga Nation Council of Chiefs and brothers of Lambda Chi in an effort to relieve tension over the mascot removal 28. George-Kanentiio recalls the meeting:

“During a remarkable session in the old communal longhouse at Onondaga, the brothers of Lambda Chi, the Native students of SU and the Onondaga chiefs met to discuss this issue. Some type of magic was certainly in the air because when we left that session some hours later, the Lambda Chi organization agreed with us that the Warrior must be put to rest. These young men went on to become our most vigorous supporters in whatever we did at SU.” 29

Onkwehonweneha used the Saltine Warrior controversy as a way to spread campus awareness on Native American issues 30. The support that Onkwehonweneha received from Chancellor Melvin A. Eggers opened the doors to increasing Native awareness by sponsoring Native speakers, holding various social events, and introducing classes on Iroquois culture 31.

 Conclusion

During this time, the issue of Native Americans as mascots became a national movement. Schools all over the country were abolishing their Native American mascots, Syracuse University being one of the first. Today, Syracuse University of has a Native American Studies program within the College of Arts and Sciences. The program offers a and a 32. Syracuse University also offers the to qualified students who receive financial assistance equal to the cost of tuition, housing and meals. The Haudenosaunee Promise Scholarship Program ”seeks to make the rich educational experiences of Syracuse University available to admitted, qualified, first-year and transfer American Indian students.” 33

  1. “Syracuse University History: Syracuse University Mascots.” Syracuse University Archives. Syracuse University, n.d. Web. 18 February 2013.
  2. “Syracuse University History: Syracuse University Mascots.” Syracuse University Archives. Syracuse University, n.d. Web. 18 February 2013.
  3. Reigelhaupt, Barbara. “Students Research Warrior Saga’s Origin.” The Daily Orange, 23 March 1976. Microfilm. 18 February 2013.
  4. “Syracuse University History: Syracuse University Mascots.” Syracuse University Archives. Syracuse University, n.d. Web. 18 February 2013.
  5. “The True Story of Bill Orange.” The Syracuse Orange Peel, October 1931. Syracuse University Archives. 18 February 2013.
  6. “The True Story of Bill Orange.” The Syracuse Orange Peel, October 1931. Syracuse University Archives. 18 February 2013.
  7. “Syracuse University History: Syracuse University Mascots.” Syracuse University Archives. Syracuse University, n.d. Web. 18 February 2013.
  8. Reigelhaupt, Barbara. “Myth of Saltine Warrior Foolum SU Many Moons.” The Daily Orange, 23 March 1976. Microfilm. 18 February 2013.
  9. Reigelhaupt, Barbara. “Students Research Warrior Saga’s Origin.” The Daily Orange, 23 March 1976. Microfilm. 18 February 2013.
  10. Reigelhaupt, Barbara. “Students Research Warrior Saga’s Origin.” The Daily Orange, 23 March 1976. Microfilm. 18 February 2013.
  11. Reigelhaupt, Barbara. “Myth of Saltine Warrior Foolum SU Many Moons.” The Daily Orange, 23 March 1976. Microfilm. 18 February 2013.
  12. Reigelhaupt, Barbara. “Myth of Saltine Warrior Foolum SU Many Moons.” The Daily Orange, 23 March 1976. Microfilm. 18 February 2013.
  13. “Syracuse University History: Syracuse University Mascots.” Syracuse University Archives. Syracuse University, n.d. Web. 18 February 2013.
  14. Reigelhaupt, Barbara. “Myth of Saltine Warrior Foolum SU Many Moons.” The Daily Orange, 23 March 1976. Microfilm. 18 February 2013.
  15. Reigelhaupt, Barbara. “Myth of Saltine Warrior Foolum SU Many Moons.” The Daily Orange, 23 March 1976. Microfilm. 18 February 2013.
  16. Reigelhaupt, Barbara. “Myth of Saltine Warrior Foolum SU Many Moons.” The Daily Orange, 23 March 1976. Microfilm. 18 February 2013.
  17. Reigelhaupt, Barbara. “Myth of Saltine Warrior Foolum SU Many Moons.” The Daily Orange, 23 March 1976. Microfilm. 18 February 2013.
  18. “Onondaga Indian Fact Sheet.” Native American Facts for Kids.Native Languages of the Americas, n.d. Web 29 March 2013
  19. George-Kanentiio, Doug. Personal Interview. 9 April 2013.
  20. George-Kanentiio, Doug. Personal Interview. 9 April 2013.
  21. George-Kanentiio, Doug. Personal Interview. 9 April 2013.
  22. George-Kanentiio, Doug. Personal Interview. 9 April 2013.
  23. McEnaney, Maura. “SU Drops Saltine Warrior”. The Daily Orange, 18 January 1978. Microfilm. 18 February 2013
  24. McEnaney, Maura. “SU Drops Saltine Warrior”. The Daily Orange, 18 January 1978. Microfilm. 18 February 2013
  25. Coffey, Thomas. “Save the Mascot.” The Daily Orange, 3 March 1978. Microfilm. 18 February 2013.
  26. Onkwehonweneha. “Letter: Warrior Based on a Lie”. The Daily Orange, 3 March 1978. Microfilm. 18 February 2013.
  27. George-Kanentiio, Doug. Personal Interview. 9 April 2013.
  28. George-Kanentiio, Doug. “Natives Saw Chancellor’s Moral Center.” Syracuse University Archives, Chancellor Melvin C. Eggers Files. Syracuse Post-Standard, 8 January 1995
  29. George-Kanentiio, Doug. “Natives Saw Chancellor’s Moral Center.” Syracuse University Archives, Chancellor Melvin C. Eggers Files. Syracuse Post-Standard, 8 January 1995
  30. George-Kanentiio, Doug. “Natives Saw Chancellor’s Moral Center.” Syracuse University Archives, Chancellor Melvin C. Eggers Files. Syracuse Post-Standard, 8 January 1995.
  31. George-Kanentiio, Doug. “Natives Saw Chancellor’s Moral Center.” Syracuse University Archives, Chancellor Melvin C. Eggers Files. Syracuse Post-Standard, 8 January 1995.

Holden Observatory: A Short History

November 18, 1887, Syracuse University: Visions of the cosmos flashed through the minds of the students, faculty, and community members of Syracuse as they sat in silence in Hendricks Chapel, listening to plans for the new Observatory. It was a time during which astronomy was still a completely unexplored horizon, a territory unknown. The possibilities seemed infinite to a University that had never pondered such oddities.

The Observatory has been a warrior on this campus. A 126-year-old building, it has stood strong against the daunting hand of time. Both its physical splendor and rich history make it something with which one should want to acquaint oneself. Understanding the individual history of Holden Observatory gives one a larger idea of the type of movement this school has gone through. It is a hidden gem, and even though it is tucked away behind a clustering of buildings nowadays, it stands as prominently on its own plot of land as brightly as when it was first opened.

 

E.F. Holden

Erastus Holden was born into a family of the lower class in Charlotte, NY in 1826. He was described as a hardworking man, and entered into the coal business as a young adult when he moved to Syracuse. He eventually became the Treasurer of Franklin Iron Manufacturing company . A correspondence ensued. The two men worked together in creating something that would foster education and leave a lasting impression on the campus; they named it Holden Observatory .

 

Opening Ceremony

The school was buzzing with excitement on the day of the Dedication Ceremony of Holden Observatory. So much anticipation rose on campus that one freshman claimed “there was no school”. On Friday, November 18, 1887, students, staff, and townspeople gathered in Hendricks Chapel to welcome the new building to the University. Beginning with Responsive Readings and prayer, the service included three speakers: Dr. Simon Newcomb, E.F. Holden, and Chancellor Sims.

Dr. Newcomb, an important lecturer of astronomy of the time, made a speech titled “The Place of Astronomy in the Sciences”. His claim revolved around the fact that even though astronomy was a very small, relatively new branch of science, it still held relevance because of its connections to the history of physics and related sciences. His array of references to past scientists and theories reminded the readers that he was, indeed, a professor. He opened his audience’s eyes to how much is left to be discovered in the cosmos, creating a speech that still rings true in the present day. It seems like one of his goals in speaking such a way about physics was to not only excite his listeners on the subject, but to help them understand why an observatory on campus will foster the minds of the students and surrounding community. The speech closes with less of a factual tone and more of an earnest one:

The knowledge of the littleness of our place in the universe has done more for mankind, has been better for us, than any gratification of our material wants. A few centuries ago the appearance of a comet struck everyone with terror; in the simple thought that we now look upon a celestial visitor with no feeling but admiration for its beauty we have something which more than compensates for all the money and labor we have expended upon observatories and instruments.” . In 1980, the Observatory became a national landmark, which offered it protection and recognition .

Holden Observatory in the mid twentieth century. Credit: Naomi Falk, thanks to Syracuse University Archives

It wasn’t until 1991 that the building was actually . The process was a slow one, taking a couple of days to move the building just 190 feet, moving at four inches per hour. Costing the University $200,000, the building now sits nestled between Eggers, Crouse, and the Law Building on a small clearing

  • Clark, Mrs. Howard. “No Title”. Handwritten note, Syracuse University, Syracuse , NY.
  • Sims, Charles. “Dedication.” Dedication Ceremony. Syracuse University. Syracuse, New York. 18 Nov 1887. Speech.
  • Holden, E.F. “Letter to Chancellor Sims.”. Syracuse: 29 Oct 1886. 1. Print
  • Flusche, Michael. “Remarks at Holden Rededication.” Syracuse Physics Dept. Syracuse Physics Dept, 3 Sep 1998. Web. 2 Apr 2013 <http://www.phy.syr.edu/info/holden/holden.html>.
  • Clark, Mrs. Howard. “No Title”. Handwritten note, Syracuse University, Syracuse , NY.
  • Sims, Charles. “The University Observatory.” Newspaper Unknown (written to “The Journal”)(Syracuse) n.d., n. pag. Print.
  • “The Observatory.” Onondagan. (1887): n. page. Print.
  • Newcomb, Simon. “The Place of Astronomy in the Sciences.” Dedication Ceremony. Syracuse University. Syracuse, New York. 18 November 1887. Speech.
  • Holden, E.F.. “Presentation of the Observatory.” Dedication Ceremony. Syracuse University. Syracuse, New York. 18 November 1887. Speech.
  • Dedicatory Exercises of the Holden Observatory.” Syracuse Supplement” (Syracuse) 8 December 1887 1887, n. pag. Print
  • Sims, Charles. “Dedication.” Dedication Ceremony. Syracuse University. Syracuse, New York. 18 Nov 1887. Speech.
  • “Beholden to Holden.” Focus. 1.1 (1948): 10. Print.
  • “Beholden to Holden.” Focus. 1.1 (1948): 10. Print.
  • Photo of Holden Telescope. Kelly, Jane. 1967. Holden Observatory, Syracuse.
  • Flusche, Michael. “Remarks at Holden Rededication.” Syracuse Physics Dept. Syracuse Physics Dept, 3 Sep 1998. Web. 2 Apr 2013 <http://www.phy.syr.edu/info/holden/holden.html>.
  • Milks, Bob. “Astronomy: A Definite Up.” Daily Orange(Syracuse) 13 October 1967, n. pag. Print.
  • Hicken, Melanie. “Recently opened Academic Integrity Office fails to live up to campus community’s great expectations.” Daily Orange (Syracuse) 06 March 2007, n. pag. Print. <http://dailyorange.com/2007/03/recently-opened-academic-integrity-office-fails-to-live-up-to-campus-community-s-great-expectations/>.
  • “The Observatory.” Onondagan. (1887): n. page. Print.
  • Photograph of Holden Observatory. (1970). Syracuse University, Syracuse. Print.
  • “Campus Life: Syracuse; 1887 Observatory, All 375 Tons of It, Moves to New Site.” New York Times (New York City) 20 June 1991. n. pag. Print. <http://www.nytimes.com/1991/06/30/nyregion/campus-life-syracuse-1887-observatory-all-375-tons-of-it-moves-to-new-site.html>.

The College of Agriculture & University Farm

The Establishment of the College of Agriculture & Farm

During the early 1900’s, a College of Agriculture, and a University Farm were included among the group of colleges collectively known as Syracuse University. The college was located in what is now known as Slocum Hall and the farm existed on the land that is presently South Campus. Although the discontinuance of the college and farm was made official in 1934, the expansion of knowledge, and experimental methods practiced on this and other college farms, helped to lay the foundation for many of today’s agricultural practices, thus making it worthy of historic note.

The History

Land Grant status, government subsidies, and the Morrill Act in 1862 were largely responsible for the establishment and growth of the majority of this nations agricultural school’s. Unable to obtain any of this government funding, then Chancellor James R. Day, in 1910, using his own personal funds, purchased a 100 acre tract of land to be used as the college farm, and thereby established a program for the study of agriculture on the S.U. campus. He received strong support from Dr. William L. Bray, the Chair of the Botany Department at that time, who was instrumental in the development of the entrance requirements, course guidelines, and the building of the academic structure needed for the running of such a college. Student enrollment in the first year numbered 35 but had grown to 100 students by the 1913-14 school year. By 1918 with both public interest and enrollment continuing to increase, the Joseph Slocum College of Agriculture building was erected with funds donated by Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage. She had donated $300,000 specifically for building of the college and the school was named in memory of Margaret’s late father Joseph. During the majority of its years, enrollment numbered between 100-150 students per  year.

Historical Context & Cultural and Social Ideals 

The emergence of the first agricultural colleges in the late 1800’s was not without controversy. There were as many detractors, surrounding the inclusion of a degree in agricultural studies at the college level, as there were supporters.  Albert H. Leake states in his 1915 book The Means and Methods of Agricultural Education

“In view of the success of the colleges, it is interesting to read some of the early expressions used concerning them. The older colleges looked with considerable disfavor upon the intrusion of the institutions into what they considered their considerable domain. “A waste of public lands and private fortunes”; the dreams of amiable but visionary enthusiasts”; “another illustration of the folly of attempting to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”; and many others, were the expressions applied to them.  In a report presented by the Commissioner of Labor in 1893, the agricultural colleges are called “half developed colleges of agriculture and mechanics.” He places them between the trade schools and the technical colleges of university grade, giving them a very indefinite and nondescript position. The attitude was, perhaps, not hostile to the colleges but at any rate it shows that they had not yet achieved a recognized position among the educational institutions of the country.”

The Harvester: J.S.C.A Yearbook

The College of Agriculture’s student body produced and published an annual yearbook known as The Harvester, the first copy of which was published in 1923. These publications contained articles that dealt directly with the day to day activities and functions of the university’s College and farm, as well as other informational articles on various agricultural related subjects. Topics included the benefits of different seed types, useful tools, farm equipment and animal husbandry and would have been of interest to anyone involved or interested in the many facets of agriculture and farming. The yearbook was also considered a “valuable educational tool for the students as they were not only responsible for its content, but the selling of the advertisement to support it as well further enhancing their communication skills.”5

J.S.C.A. Song: Farmers song

I found this song in the filed box of documents located in the Syracuse University Archives. Although it was not authorized and i was unable to find out much more about it, it appears to be written by students of the Joseph Slocum College of Agriculture, and so I decided to include it here. This  copy of the song was included on a one page document which contained several old S.U. school songs, including Syracuse Universities Alma Mater.

1  We are the Farmers, jolly old Farmers,
We are from J.S.C.A. as you all may know.
We know the horse and cow, we know how to milk and plow,
How the deuce did we find that out? Duck told us so.

2  We are Mechanics, greasy Mechanics,
We are from J.S.C.A. as you al may know.
We know all tractors and their internal factors,
How the deuce did we find that out? “ Sib” told us so.

3  We are the Herdsman, immaculate Herdsman
We are from J.S.C.A. as you all may know,
We know the Bacterio, we know what makes it grow,
How the deuce did we find that out? Harley told us so.

4 We are the Planters, scientific Planters,
We are from J.S.C.A. as you all may know.
We know good seeds from weeds, we know just what to feed,
How the deuce did we find that out? “Herb” told us so.

5 We are the Poultrymen, incubating Poultrymen,
We are from J.S.C.A. as you all may know.
We know the Rooster O, we know what makes him crow,
How the deuce did we find that out? Lin told us so.

6 We are the Gardeners, intensive Gardeners,
We are from J.S.C.A. as you all may know.
We know all diseases and slugs, we know the control of bugs,
How the deuce did we find that out? “Shorty” told us so.

7 We are the Aggies, all kinds of Aggies,
We are from J.S.C.A. as you all may know.
We’re always sure to know just how to make things grow,
How the deuce did we find that out? Dean told us so.

Closing:

The closing of the Joseph Slocum College of Agriculture was formally announced in a letter dated May 6th 1933 by Chancellor Charles W. Flint who had succeeded James R. Day. Formal education was continued for those currently enrolled and upon their graduation in 1934 the college officially closed its doors. The farm continued to operate on a limited basis until the land was needed for housing units built for the large influx of returning World War II veterans attending Syracuse University after the war.

During its 24 years of inhabitancy, the Joseph Slocum College of Agriculture remained the only agricultural college in country that was run completely without the benefit of state or federal funding. Competition from other colleges, declining enrollment, rising labor costs, and lack of financing ultimately led to the schools closing. The disparity and allocation of state funding for colleges of both forestry and agriculture in New York State have been widely referenced to and written about. The heated competition and dispute between Syracuse and Cornell Universities was especially contentious, and the animosity between Chancellors Bailey of Cornell and Day of Syracuse was plainly apparent. As Cornell’s College of Agriculture, funded by state money grew, attendance at Syracuse University’s agricultural school began to dwindle. In Chancellor Flints letter announcing the closing of the school he explains that

” The growing tendency in higher educational circles to avoid unnecessary duplication in specialized field, and the difficulty of financing the necessary curriculum for a limited enrollment have recently  made acute the question of continuing this college in spite of its noble record of the past three years. While recognizing the significance of its work, the Board has not felt this to be sufficient to justify the duplicating in a considerable measure of the work of the State College of Agriculture at Cornell University”. 6

In the end there was somewhat of a compromise with Cornell closing it’s College of Forestry and Syracuse closing it’s College of Agriculture. Both went on to develop widely respected, highly successful colleges in their respective fields; Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Syracuse University College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

Citations

Works Cited

 Bailey, L. H.. The training of farmers,. New York: Century, 1909. Print.

Bradley, Howard R.;The Harvester Dec. 1923

 Flint, Charles W. “ Document announcing the discontinuation of the College of Agriculture;

Office of the Chancellor, SyracuseUniversity, 6 May 1933

Images; n.d. The Harvester; SyracuseUniversity Archives Dec. 1923; 30

Leake, Albert H.. The means and methods of agricultural education,. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1915. Print.

Leavitt, Frank Mitchell. Examples of industrial education,. Boston: Ginn and company, 1912. Print.

Nye Reuben L.; What College?

The Harvester Dec. 1923; 5

SyracuseUniversityBuildings; University Farm, 2010 Web. 1 April 2013

Links

 

  1. Leake 148
  2.  
  3. The Harvester
  4.  
  5. The Harvester
  6. Flint

A History of Archbold Stadium

 

Archbold Stadium ARM 11-0124
A postcard of the main entrance to Archbold Stadium. Copyright: Syracuse University Archives

John D. Archbold looks out over the stadium he founded. Copyright: Syracuse University Archives

John D. Archbold looks out over the stadium he founded. Copyright: Syracuse University Archives

Archbold Stadium was the first athletic stadium built at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. At the time of its construction it was one of only three concrete stadiums in the world and was deemed by many as “The Greatest Athletic Arena in America”. Opened in 1907, it served as a multi-purpose stadium for Syracuse University’s football, track, and field team. Archbold Stadium’s footprint is now the current location of The Syracuse University Carrier Dome.

Construction

Blueprints of Archbold Stadium seating. Copyright: Syracuse University Archives

Blueprints of Archbold Stadium seating. Copyright: Syracuse University Archives

Construction of the stadium took place from May 1, 1905 to early 1908.  It was located at the southeast corner of Steele Hall. When it was opened on September 25, 1907, the inside of the stadium was close enough to completion to accommodate the first game’s audience, but the exterior walls were not yet finished.

Syracuse Athletics

Archbold Stadium was designed from the ground up to accommodate Syracuse University’s football team, but it also hosted the track and field team who used the oval track.  On occasions, the baseball team would also use the field to practice.  During the Stadium’s 71-year lifespan, a total of 385 football games took place on the field.  The Orangemen franchise was one of the most prestigious in the country, with over 6 million spectators to witness it.  Great All-American runners like Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, Floyd Little, and Larry Csonka all were iconic athletes of the sport. 10 Ernie Davis, who wore the famous number 44, was the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. In 1959 Davis along with Art Baker and Gerhard Schwedes who made up what was known as the “Dream Team,” went undefeated for the season and took home the National Championship. 11 The Orangemen played some of the most regarded teams like the Ivy Leagues, Yale, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, and Princeton.  Thanks to the world-class facilities, Syracuse football brought in some of the most talented athletes around. 10 Syracuse University has been a major contender in the sport from Archbold’s completion to present day.

Deconstruction

As time took its toll on the stadium, it started to look like the end of days for the historic arena.  The 71 year-old arena has seen its share of Syracuse winters and its age was beginning to show. The concrete grandstand was deteriorated and was demolished and the cement had become a web of cracks and chips. The drainage system no longer functioned and flooded locker rooms were a common occurrence. The rodent problem became such a problem that visiting teams had to prepare for the games off site. The once historic icon was now becoming a nuisance and an eyesore for the University.  Over the years, upgrades have been made to the structure to increase seating capacity, which at one point reached 40,000. 13 The initial cost of the stadium was $600,000, but with all the additions and maintenance, the overall cost was over $4 million. 10 But due to new fire codes and regulations, the legal capacity for the stadium was only just over 30,000.  In 1977, the College Football Association announced that NCAA stadiums must have a capacity of at least 33,000 people in order for there to be national telecasts.  In 1977, Vice Chancellor Clifford L. Winters started planning the demolition of Archbold Stadium and the construction of a new domed arena in its place. Demolition of the old stadium started immediately after the last season home game on November 11, 1978 and was completed in March 1979.  The $27 million structure named the Carrier Dome after a $2.75 million donation from the Carrier Corporation was the 5th largest domed stadium in the country.  At 7.5 acres, it just barely covers the footprint of Archbold Stadium. 13

Works Cited

  1. “Syracuse University Archives: Buildings – Archbold Stadium.” Syracuse University Archives. Syracuse University Archives, n.d. Web. 07 Apr. 2013. <http://archives.syr.edu/buildings/archbold_stadium.html>.
  2.  Burton, Rick. “Archbold’s Greatest Gift.” Syracuse University Magazine 29.3 2011: Web. http://sumagazine.syr.edu/2011spring/alumnijournal/archbold.html.
  3. “A Stadium For The University.” The Post-Standard (Syracuse) 8 Mar. 1905: 1. Print.
  4.  Burton, Rick. “Archbold’s Greatest Gift.” Syracuse University Magazine 29.3 2011: Web <http://sumagazine.syr.edu/2011spring/alumnijournal/archbold.html>.
  5.  Burton, Rick. “Archbold’s Greatest Gift.” Syracuse University Magazine 29.3 (2011): Web. <http://sumagazine.syr.edu/2011spring/alumnijournal/archbold.html>.
  6.  “Syracuse University Archives: Buildings – Archbold Stadium.” Syracuse University Archives. Syracuse University Archives, n.d. Web. 07 Apr. 2013. <http://archives.syr.edu/buildings/archbold_stadium.html>.
  7. Consolidated engineering & construction company, New York. Syracuse University Stadium: Built by Consolidated Engineering & Construction Company … New York; Pictures Showing Method of Construction Accompanied by Historical And Technical Sketch. New York: Consolidated Engineering & Construction Company, 1907.
  8. “Syracuse University Archives: Buildings – Archbold Stadium.” Syracuse University Archives. Syracuse University Archives, n.d. Web. 07 Apr. 2013. <http://archives.syr.edu/buildings/archbold_stadium.html>.
  9. Consolidated engineering & construction company, New York. Syracuse University Stadium: Built by Consolidated Engineering & Construction Company … New York; Pictures Showing Method of Construction Accompanied by Historical And Technical Sketch. New York: Consolidated Engineering & Construction Company, 1907.
  10. Carroll, Tim. “Farewell, Old Friend.” The Empire Magazine Syracuse Herald-American (Syracuse) 1978: 1+. Print.
  11.  Pitoniak, Scott. Syracuse University Football. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Pub., 2003. Print.
  12. Carroll, Tim. “Farewell, Old Friend.” The Empire Magazine Syracuse Herald-American (Syracuse) 1978: 1+. Print.
  13.  Marc, David (2005) “Dome Sweet Dome,” Syracuse University Magazine: Vol. 22: Iss. 3, Article 8.
  14. Carroll, Tim. “Farewell, Old Friend.” The Empire Magazine Syracuse Herald-American (Syracuse) 1978: 1+. Print.
  15.  Marc, David (2005) “Dome Sweet Dome,” Syracuse University Magazine: Vol. 22: Iss. 3, Article 8.

With the support of Franklin First Financial

Anti-Semitism at Syracuse University: Between the World Wars

 

Since its founding, Syracuse University has prided itself on tolerance. Today, the policy is taken for granted, but it was not always so easy to combat discrimination. Beginning in the early 1880s, anti-Semitic in Eastern Europe forcibly dispersed Jews into central Europe and overseas to the United States, and New York in particular. As immigrants reached American shores, many in the established Jewish elite harbored considerable concerns over the potential for a new wave of discrimination. Over the next three decades, anti-Semitism would indeed surface at all levels of American society.

Jewish adversaries bore few anxieties about the rise of African or Irish Americans to power in media, law, finance and government. These “ethnic” groups had never occupied positions of power, the vast majority living in desperate poverty. But Jews were different. They had been exiled from Eastern Europe not because of famine or slavery or crime, but specifically because they were perceived as threatening to national political systems.

To mitigate the perceived risks of Jewish dominance, doorways to affluence were targeted. The most brazen arena was the university, where Jewish enrollment quotas were imposed at many national universities, including Harvard. Rule of law, immigration policies, athletics and discrimination in social organizations (both at universities and externally) entertained anti-Semitic overtones as well.

Born in 1856 to German-Jewish immigrants, native Syracusan Louis Marshall grew up to be an infamous civil rights attorney and political activist. While defending Leo Frank, a Jewish accountant convicted of murder in Georgia, he was appointed to the Board of Trustees at Syracuse University, a position he would hold until his death in 1929. During his tenure, SU successfully avoided official enrollment quotas, though the campus was certainly not immune to the widespread anti-Semitic attitudes of the time.

Marshall was in a difficult position, hedging the interests of a variety of Jewish and non-Jewish constituencies. Jewish interests and ethics varied across the country, an obstacle Marshall often ran into. The increase in anti-Semitism that occurred after his death would cement him as a worldwide hero against discrimination. In Syracuse, his legacy lives on through his namesake,

Marshall Square Mall, located on Marshall St. was named after Louis Marshall. Courtesy of Syracuse University Archives

Marshall Square Mall, located on Marshall St. was named after Louis Marshall. Courtesy: Syracuse University Archives

 

1. Early History

By the time he was 40, Louis Marshall was among the most distinguished lawyers in the United States. His rhetorical abilities and public presence placed him in a distinctive position alongside other Jewish elites of the time. As Jewish immigration began to escalate near the turn of the century, Marshall, alongside Jacob Schiff and Cyrus Adler, introduced the Galveston Plan, an attempt to direct Jewish migrant ships to Texas in order to avoid a massive assimilation on the eastern seaboard Born in Syracuse, Louis Marshall would become the most distinguished civil rights lawyer of the early 20th century

The next twenty years of his life would be spent as the most illustrious opponent of bigotry, fastidiously attached to the growing marginalization of the world Jewry, in particular. It was a difficult position to fill. Human societies were diversifying across the globe, challenging traditionally homogenous power structures. More importantly, the scale and rapidity of immigrant integration was unprecedented, especially in the United States. Jewish immigration grew to extraordinary proportions between 1880 and the mid-1920s. Estimates suggest that roughly two million Jewish immigrants arrived during this thirty-year stretch. [11]

It is difficult to describe the societal tendencies of Jews during the early 20th century without a hint of prejudice. Krefetz (1982) explains that the skills brought from Eastern Europe, namely, “trading and exchanging, commerce, city living, property rights, … and accumulation of funds for future investment” suggest a cultural propensity for achieving financial security. By the 1980’s, Jewish families had the highest average family income of any ethnic group in the United States, a remarkable feat considering their relatively recent arrival. Louis Marshall wrote a lengthy editorial on the state of anti-Semitism in 1925. As Marshall’s death approached, he was also beginning to lose the battle at Syracuse.

Death

Barely a month before the Great Depression hit, Marshall passed away at a conference in Zurich, Switzerland.

“I am deeply grieved to learn that my friend Louis Marshall has passed,” wired President Herbert Hoover to the Jewish Telegraph Agency (NY) upon hearing of the Jewish icon’s death. “His eminent services in law, government, conciliation and philanthropy will remain of enduring value to this country.” 19. A year later, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, then the Governor of New York, designated an appropriation of over half a million dollars for to house the College of Forestry named after Marshall (Marshall Hall at SUNY-ESF still stands today) 20. At his death, Louis Marshall was among the most distinguished lawyers and political activists in the entire world.

The Syracuse Post-Standard noted that, “particularly there his effective service was given to the assurance of fair treatment of the Jewish minorities scattered thru the trouble nations of the European continent.” In his later years, Marshall had worked to secure funding for Jews in the wake of WWI. His most notable accomplishment came at the Treaty of Versailles while he was serving as the President of the American Jewish Committee. Here, he helped organize the new constitutions of Eastern Europe, which granted Jews full equality. Unfortunately, the pillars of equality that he had worked so hard to achieve would be unwound after his untimely death. 21.

 

3. 1930s

The decade that followed Marshall’s passing would see a marked rise in anti-Semitism at Syracuse University, a phenomenon he had successfully combated during his fifteen-year tenure. Jewish enrollment deteriorated and social organizations grew increasingly prejudiced.

Jewish Segregation

Beginning in the 1928-1929 academic year, Jewish students were segregated into Jewish-only dormitories. Over the next ten years, an intra-university debate raged over the policy, which was rescinded then re-enacted in 1934 and again in 1935 22.

Meanwhile, Jewish enrollment plummeted. By 1939, the freshman class had been cut to 7% from its 15% peak in 1923 23. In 1935, a year of segregated dormitories, Marty Glickman enrolled as a first-year student at Syracuse. While only eighteen years of age, he qualified for the United States Olympic team in 1936 as a sprinter for the 4x100m relay team alongside Jesse Owens and a multitude of other prolific American athletes. To his dismay, the games were to be held in Nazi Germany.

Marty Glickman Incident

Burdened by the debts of WWI and the Great Depression, Germany was among the most nationalistic – and racially obsessed – of the entire Western world. More than blacks or any other ethnic minority, German anger was directed towards Jews, as the shadow of the Holocaust reminds us. Jesse Owens and fellow African-American Ralph Metcalfe would end up running the relay in the place of Marty Glickman and Sam Stoller, Jewish sprinters from Syracuse University and the University of Michigan respectively. The pair served as the American track and field team’s only Jewish members, and had been expected to anchor the team. 24

The hostilities began just 24 hours before the 4×100 relay final. Foy Draper and Frank Wykoff, sprinters from USC, were selected to run the relay alongside gold medalists Owens and Metcalfe. After setting world records in the 100m, 200m and the long jump, most expected that Owens would hang up his spikes and watch while his teammates competed in the 4 x 100 meter relay, an event they were certain to win regardless of his participation. Either way, there was little question that Glickman and Stoller should have rounded out the team. “Draper and Wykoff…had been beaten by both Stoller and Glickman in time trials last week,” The New York Times reported in the days following the race. The motives behind Glickman and Stoller’s unseemly dismissal remain a mystery, though anti-Semitism was the obvious culprit. 25

Surprisingly, Hitler did not explicitly request the removal of Glickman and Stoller from the American 4x100m team. The Chairman of the U.S. Olympic Committee, , was a friend and sympathizer of Hitler. Brundage was the member of several committees and athletic clubs that prohibited Jewish members, a common occurrence in the era. He is more famous for his order to continue with the 1972 Munich Games after twelve Israeli athletes were executed by Islamic extremists. It should come as no surprise then, that Brundage is thought to have been responsible for Glickman and Stoller’s removal. Today, there are few historians who doubt Brundage’s motives. 26

While Glickman would blame blatant racism for the incident in the years following, his immediate reaction was less explicit. During an interview with The New York Times, Glickman charged that “politics” caused his dismissal, a result of Olympic Coach Dean Cromwell “looking out for the Southern Californians.” It was indicative of an era where anti-Semitism was largely muted and operated under the radar. 27

Glickman and Ed O’Brien, Syracuse University’s other 1936 Olympian, were asked to contribute editorials to the Daily Orange about their experiences in Berlin. Each were allocated a half-page column of about 250 words. Both students expressed anger towards the US Olympic Committee for its spontaneous removal of Glickman, with O’Brien briefly describing it as a “raw deal”. Glickman also expressed frustration and allotted an equally small segment of his column to the incident. While the event seems momentous and infuriating today, it was less significant in the moment. Neither O’Brien nor Glickman mention the anti-Semitic attitudes thought to have driven the decision. 28

Final Erosion

It became apparent that neither the administration nor the student body had interest in advocating for Jewish interests. With Marshall deceased, no Jewish figures held enough power to prevent the flirtations with anti-Semitism throughout the 1930s. A series of letters written by SU Chancellor William Graham, who served during the late 1930s and early 1940s, suggest approval of anti-Semitic media coverage. The most damning letter (January 24, 1939) expressed support for Father Charles Coughlin, who hosted an anti-Semitic radio show that would endorse Hitler and Mussolini beginning in 1936. 29

 

 

 

  1. Brawley, Edward A. “The Galveston Project.” Berman Jewish Policy Archive. New York, 2009. p. 3-25
  2. Day, James R. “Letter”. American Hebrew. Syraucse University Archives. Syracuse, NY. Apr 4. 1890
  3. Oney, Steve. And the Dead Shall Rise: The Murder of Mary Phagan and the Lynching of Leo FrankPantheon Books. New York, 2003.
  4. Watson, Thomas E. “The Jeffersonian, Volume 12, Issue 27” Thomas E. Watson Papers #755. The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 8 July 1915.
  5. Woodward, Comer Vann. Tom Watson: Agrarian RebelOxford University Press. Oxford, 1938.
  6. “Marshall Says Tom Watson is Frank’s Slayer” The New York Times. New York, 17 Aug. 1915
  7. Reznikoff, Charles ed. Louis Marshall: Champion of LibertyJewish Publication Society of America, Philadelphia, 1957. p. 1157
  8. “Louis Marshall, ‘Little Giant of Jewry’ Dies in Zurich” Syracuse Herald-Journal. Syracuse University Archives, Syracuse, NY, 11 Sept 1929.
  9. Krefetz, Gerald. Jews and Money: The Myths and the Reality
  10. Gladwell, Malcolm. “Getting In.” The New Yorker. New York, 10 Oct. 2005.
  11. Strum, Harvey. “Louis Marshall and Anti-Semitism at Syracuse University.” Syracuse University Archives, Syracuse University Press, Syracuse, NY, 1983.
  12. Strum, Harvey. p. 2-8
  13. Ryback, T.W. Hitler’s Private Library: the Books that shaped his life. Knopf: New York, 2008. p. 69
  14. Woeste, Victoria. Suing Henry Ford: America’s First Hate Speech Case. American Bar Foundation: Chicago. 19 Oct. 2012, p. 2
  15.  Syracuse Herald-Journal. 11 Sept 1929.
  16. “The International Jew: The World’s Foremost Problem Chapter 12.” The Dearborn Independent, May 22 1920-January 14 1922. Dearborn Publish Co. Dearborn, MI. May 22 1920.
  17. Marshall, Louis. “Judaism – The Strength and Refuge of the Jew.” The Union Bulletin. Syracuse University Archives, Syracuse, NY. 1925.
  18.  “Anti-Semitic Scare at Syracuse University” The Union Bulletin. Syracuse University Archives, Syracuse, NY, 1925.
  19. “Hoover Lauds Marshall as Man of Value.” The New York Times. Syracuse University Archives. Syracuse, NY, 12 Sept. 1929.
  20. “Roosevelt Asks $600,00 Forestry Building At Syracuse University as Memorial to Marshall.” The New York Times. New York Times Archives. 12 Jan. 1930.
  21. “Louis Marshall, Great Leader of Jews, Native of Syracuse, Was Lawyer Here Until 1894.” The Syracuse Post-Standard. Syracuse University Archives, Syracuse, NY, 12 Sept. 1929.
  22. Strum, p. 8-9
  23. Strum. p. 9-10
  24. Glickman, Marty. Fastest Kid on the Block: The Marty Glickman Story. Syracuse University Press. Syracuse, NY. 1996. p. 17-18.
  25. Associated Press. “Stoller Declares He Wil Quit Track.” The New York Times. New York Times Archives. 9 Aug. 1936.
  26. Guttman, Allen. “The Games Must Go On: Avery Brundage and the Olympic Movement.” Columbia University Press. New York. 1984. p. 250-252
  27. Associated Press. “Stoller Declares He Will Quit Track.” The New York Times. New York Times Archives. New York, Aug 9. 1936
  28. Glickman, Marty and O’Brien, Ed. “Syracuse’s Olympians Relate First-Hand Relate First Hand Stories.” The Daily Orange. Syracuse University Archives. Syracuse, NY, Sept 1936.
  29. “William Graham to Frank Harrington” W. Freeman Galpin Papers, Syracuse University Archives.  Jan 24. 1939.

The Female Student Body at Syracuse University in the Early 1900’s

Women Who Attended College Nationally

During the early part of the 20th century, women’s education and their place in society in America was constantly being debated. Historically, it was believed that women could not be educated or learn at the same level as men, which prevented the growth of women’s education and equality nationally. Barbara M. Solomon wrote in her book titled, In the Company of Educated Women: A History of Women and Higher Education in America, “Darwinian evolution relegated women to a permanently inferior condition, physically and mentally. Women were [considered] far behind men in human evolution ever to catch up; moreover, some doctors declared it harmful for them to try” 1. Syracuse University from the start was to be an institution where both men and women could obtain an education. Jesse Truesdell Peck was the university’s first chairman for the Board of Trustees 2, and in 1870 he declared that, “The conditions of admission shall be equal to all persons…there shall be no invidious discrimination here against women…brains and heart shall have a fair chance…”3. This statement was a constant reminder that Syracuse University would forever be a coed campus, thought that did not always mean that both sexes that attended were treated with equality. Women were sent to college in the early 1900’s because it was felt that education would bring out the most perfect form of a woman. “The college is not intended to fit woman for any particular sphere or profession but to develop by the most carefully devised means all her intellectual capacities, so that she may be a more perfect woman in any position”4. Women’s role in society was still that of a motherly, home-based figure, but many women wanted that to change.

The American Association of University Women

The Central New York Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) met frequently in Syracuse, New York, beginning in 1889 when it was founded at SU5. The intent for this organization was to help young women across America to become more involved in the pursuits of philanthropic work, furthering their education, finding jobs, become more politically involved, and uniting as women6. There are quite a few publications that were written by those involved in this organization, and regularly sent out a newsletter for all active members. The pamphlets consisted of the listing of the members’ names in alphabetical order, as well as any positions that they held. Very little actual information can be gleaned from rifling through the many pamphlets in the Syracuse University Archives, though along with the listing of the members, a brief overview of the goals of the organization and what they stand for as a national group is also printed inside the first page. For more information on this organization, their website offers information on how to get involved and some general history on the AAUW. Follow the link below to learn more:

http://www.aauw.org/

Pamphlets from the Central New York Branch of the American Association of University Women in Syracuse, NY, dated 1923-24 (left) & 1939 (right), Courtesy of the SU Archives

Pamphlets from the Central New York Branch of the American Association of University Women in Syracuse, NY, dated 1923-24 (left) & 1939 (right), Courtesy of the SU Archives

Undergraduate Women and World War I

With the start of World War I and the eventual involvement of the United States, young men across the country began signing up to join the fighting. The women and children were left at home, and that meant that the majority of the young people attending college at this time were women. According to the 1920 Onondagan yearbook, many young women went off to help as nurses, drove ambulances, and took over the economic and industrial jobs that the men abandoned. Those women left the University and head back home or wherever they were needed to fill in on family farms or in factories to keep production going. As stated in the 1920 yearbook, “They [the women] kept the boys in good cheer and encouraged them on to victory” 7.

The College of Home Economics

The College of Home Economics was founded in 1921, with Florence E. Knapp as the first dean of the college. After her resignation in 1928, Annie L. MacLeod took her place and with her dedication to the college, enrollment increased drastically between 1928 and 1948. When Dean MacLeod retired 20 years later, the college’s faculty had grown from six to 30 8.

Dean Annie L. MacLeod of the College of Home Economics, Courtesy of SU Archives

Slocum Hall

Presently the home to the College of Agriculture, Slocum Hall dates back to October of 1918 when it’s construction was finally finished. Originally intended for the College of Agriculture and Forestry, with courses for said college announced in April of 1910, Slocum Hall was made possible by the generous donations of Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage, a popular benefactor for Syracuse University for several years previously. Her late father, Joseph Slocum, had been deeply interested in the study of agriculture, so in 1912, Mrs. Sage went ahead and donated $300,000 towards a building to house the new college in honor of her late father. Articles found published in the Syracusan from 1916-1918 describe the construction of the college and the materials used. Both a light pink granite and sandstone imported from Ohio will be used to construct the majority of the building, while steel reinforcements will be used for the structure and brick for the outside of the building. “The main entrance to the building from College Place and the two side entrances will have granite pillars in relief, while the pillars of the two rear entrances will be of a pilaster type” 9.

Courses Available for Women

As a coed campus, the university allowed for both men and women to major in whatever they might choose. But during the early 1900’s, women’s roles in society were very different from the roles of men in society. Thus, the College of Home Economics offered courses that fell under the five different categories of nutrition, foods, applied arts, household technology, and institution management 10. Originally a part of the College of Agriculture which was housed in Slocum Hall, a September 1917 issue of The Daily Orange published an article announcing the offering of new courses in the school of Agriculture. Courses including but not limited to drawing, cookery, and hat-making were now being offered by the college and were specifically geared towards the female student population 11. Along with specific courses geared just for women, there was also the Dean for Women, which acted as a sort of support group for women when they first started at Syracuse University, or during any other period of their time at school when they would need support. “There is someone to help her with her social life, her academics difficulties, vocational adjustment, or any other problem”12. There was also a Dean for Men, but the fact that there was not a shared dean for students shows the divide that still existed for women during the early 1900’s.

Article from the a 1917 Daily Orange Describing the New Home Economic Courses Offered in the College of Agriculture, Courtesy of the SU Archives

  1. Solomon, Barbara M. “In the Company of Educated Women: A History of Women and Higher Education in America.” Google Books. Yale University Press, 1985. P. 56. Web. 24 Mar. 2013
  2. “Jesse Truesdell Peck.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 04 Feb. 2013. Web. 03 Apr. 2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Truesdell_Peck>.
  3. O’Brien, Mary M. T. “Co-ed From the Start: Women Students at Syracuse University in the 19th Century.” Syracuse University Archives Online. Syracuse University Archives, May 2005. Web. 03 Apr. 2013. <http://archives.syr.edu/exhibits/women.html>.
  4. Solomon, Barbara M. “In the Company of Educated Women: A History of Women and Higher Education in America.” Google Books. Yale University Press, 1985. P. 49. Web. 24 Mar. 2013.
  5. American Association of University Women, Syracuse Branch, Records, Special Collections Research Center, Syracuse University Library
  6. American Association of University Women. AAUW: Empowering Women Since 1881. AAUW, n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013. http://www.aauw.org/
  7. “Syracuse University and The World War.” The 1920 Onandagan. Syracuse University. Ed. John I. Terrell. Syracuse: The Junior Class of Syracuse University, 1920: 116. Syracuse University Archives. Print.
  8. “History of the College of Home Economics/College for Human Development.” Syracuse University Archives Online. Ed. Syracuse University Archives. Syracuse University Archives, 2001. Web. 3 Apr. 2013. <http://archives.syr.edu/collections/human_dev/history.html>
  9. “Slocum College of Agriculture to Start Soon.” The Syracusan: Syracuse. 1 Apr. 1916: Syracuse University Archives. Print.
  10. Syracuse University Course Catalogue. 1935-1937. p. 147. Syracuse University Archives. Print
  11. Article taken from a September 1917 issue of the DO titled, “New Courses are offered by Agriculture College”
  12. “Dean of Women.” The 1945 Onandagan. Syracuse University. Ed. Agnes Shoffner. Syracuse: Syracuse University Press, 1945: 27. Syracuse University Archives. Print.