The sun was warm, but a
slight breeze kept it comfaortable as I walked up the street to the
college. I recalled how many times this
trip up the hill signaled the start of a new year, a different quarter, or the
start of a new chapter in my life.
Everything usually looked familiar with hardly a noticeable change, but
this time it was different. I think the
change was in me rather than the campus.
My recent September Experience at Custer County High School had impacted me more
than I ever would have guessed. It was a
glimpse into what lay ahead for me when I finished the Eastern program of
study. I had kept my head down, thinking
of one quarter at a time. This was my
home stretch.
This was just a start of
changes that became evident, as I checked into Sutton Hall. My room mates had deserted me. Les
was still in the service and after his graduation last spring, Tom also joined
the service. Jerry had dropped out to
work, but after thinking it over he went into the service also. I was able to locate Dewey and asked him if
he’d like to room with me. That was the
start of an even deeper friendship that lasted long past college and teaching
jobs. We had so much in common including
our teaching Industrial Arts. We chose a
two man room with a study area across the hall used by several other two man
rooms. This arrangement became a meeting
hall and useless as a study space, so we set up study tables in our room. It was crowded, but provided the quiet study
space. The other option would have been
to go back to a four man room with a self contained study space, but neither of
us wanted to start with two new roommates.
Dewey pretending to study for the photo. He’s not near sighted
The college hired a new president that year.
The college annual described
this change as:
A new president . . .
A new administration . . .
A new fresh outlook and spirit at Eastern.
The annual was dedicated to
him as:
To Dr. Don S. Patterson:
.
The new
president of the college who brings to his position a wealth of experience in
the field to which this institution is devoted—education, and who has injected
into the atmosphere of the college the fresh, impartial qualities of his own
success . . .
We respectfully dedicate the
1955 Kinnikinick.
I’m not sure if he was
credited for the emphasis on education in the college name. Previously, it had been
Eastern Washington College, but it appeared this year as Eastern Washington
College of Education on all college materials.
It seemed like a good change to me, as that is what we studied here, and
I was proud to be a part of that profession.
I supported the idea that a new attitude and spirit had invaded the
campus. As one person put it, "this new
spirit is often seen and even more often felt.”
Among things that changed this year was the name for “New Dorm”. You have to admit New Dorm isn’t much of a
name for such a major building. It
sounded so temporary. What happens if
another dorm is built which would be newer?
The Eastern Board of Trustees, honoring Louise Anderson, college
instructor since 1915, changed the New Dorm name to Louise Anderson Hall.
Louise Anderson Hall remained a women’s dorm and campus cafeteria. I wondered if after I taught for forty years a building would be named after me. Starting in 1956, I would have to teach until 1996. I don’t think that will happen. There are many ways I can advance and move to other educational responsibility. Ms. Anderson is to be congratulated for her years of service and having a major college building named after her is appropriate and fitting.
The new faculty on campus brought youth and vigor into classrooms and
social halls. They enhance interest and
study through their recent professional outlook. Their intent to assist and guide the student
body contributed a new note to campus life.
There was a new spirit at Eastern Washington College of Education. It was exciting to be a part of it and proud
of my college.
The majority of my classes
that fall quarter were serious education methods courses again. Even the Industrial Art courses were focused
on curriculum and the history of Industrial Arts. My P.E. course dealt with the organization
and administration of physical education.
The only light hearted offering I had was Furniture Construction- Two
with Mr. Killin.
official hostess, Sacajawea. This year we chose JoAnn Holladay whose appearance and warm personality complemented
the role of hostess at many events throughout the year.
As basketball season
approached Red worked to sharpen players for conference play. Ellis and Enos had graduated and would be
missed for their scoring and hustle.
Bill Ellis’s height and rebounding won him the “Inspirational Player”
award while Earl Enos was voted “Honorary Captain” by the team. He had functioned as the floor captain in
many of the games. The absence of Fletcher
Frazer left me as the lone tall player from last years team. Dick Edwards returned as last years top
scorer. Four other returning lettermen finalized
the core. Several transfer players and a number of freshman ball players made
up the rest of the team.
*Taken from "Which Road Should I Follow?, Volume 1, Growing up in the country", an autobiography by Edwin K. Hill.
*Taken from "Which Road Should I Follow?, Volume 1, Growing up in the country", an autobiography by Edwin K. Hill.
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