Freshman Rules

A portion of every incoming college freshman’s education is spent on learning the meaning of the word, “upperclassman.” At least this was how campus life was according to an article from November 1938 published in the student newspaper, the Dickinson Union.

During this time on campus, the frosh were identifiable by their strict adherence to the rules set down by the governing sophomore tribunal. Over the years, “freshmen rules” curriculum consisted of not being allowed to speak with members of the opposite sex, outlandish attire ranging from black ties to green hair ribbons, as well as the name signs found dangling around their necks. Freshman males could be seen wearing make-up and fingernail polish, while the females were caught with different color stockings and shoes, pigtails in their hair, and clothing worn backward.

Although these telltale signs seemed designed to alienate the campus’s newest additions they provided a sense of camaraderie according to an editorial in a later edition of the Dickinson Union. Freshmen not only had a chance to become acquainted with each other, but these traditions gave them a sense of belonging and by following the “rules” there was a unique show of college spirit. An added bonus, according to Dr. J. Milton Skeath, was that: “It can be a lot of good fun. And good fun always promotes mental health.”

A Taste of the Avant-garde

It lounges outside the entrance leading into the Academic Center and Snowden Library; Lycoming College’s only open-air piece of art. According to the Lycoming College Magazine (Summer 2009) this mammoth sculpture has existed without an identification plate for nearly thirty years now.

The “Triad” was conceived by Tony Rogers at the end of the spring semester of 1980 as his senior honors project. Rogers told the Lycoming College Magazine: “The name comes from the three ribbon-shaped forms that make up the piece. The transition of the three forms wasn’t a deliberate intent at the onset; it was something I discovered as the piece was being created and the name happened upon that discovery.”

The location of the “Triad” placed restrictions on its size, shape, and interaction with viewers, although according to Rogers, “The sculpture itself is restricted by the imagination of the viewer.”

And today, whether you pass by this piece and think it looks like a “snail,” or reminds you of an “ear,” or it is the first time you even took notice, “Wow, what in the world? I do not remember seeing that before!” Keep in mind that those are exactly the responses Rogers wished to garner from his unorthodox creation; thirty years later and still open to interpretation.

What's in a Name- the Final Chapter

The Sykes Gate is the main entrance to Lycoming College and named for David B. Sykes, a Williamsport native and 1938 graduate of Dickinson Junior College. Dedicated on September 19, 1999, the gate opens the college to downtown Williamsport.

The Commons, built in 2007, was officially dedicated Homecoming Weekend, Octobber 2008. The 29,000 square foot building was designed with facade and landscaping to identify six houses.

The Halfmann House is dedicated to Dorothy Ruth Stecker Halfmann, a graduate of Dickinson Seminary.

The Richard H. Lundy House is dedicated to Lundy, whose construction company was instrumental in campus wide renovations.

The Joyce Lynn House named in honor of Joyce Lynn, wife of Peter Lynn, a 1969 graduate of Lycoming College.

Robert S. Lowry House is named for the husband of Rosanna Lowry. Rosanna is a 1972 graduate of Lycoming College.

The Jack Hollenback House is named for Hollenback, who was a professor of Business Education at Lycoming College. When Hollenback passed away in 2008 the college used the sizeable gift left through his estate to respectfully establish The Jack Hollenback House.

The last house has not been dedicated at this time.

Dedicated in 1980 the recreation center includes the George R. Lamade Gymnasium. Lamade was a long time publisher of the Grit Publishing Company and a community leader. The building also houses a basketball court, pool, weight room, sauna, and steam bath.

Honors Hall is named for Mrs. Mary Welch. In addition to the Shangraw Performance Hall, the building housed a meditation chapel, offices for the Honors Program, Campus Ministry and Community Service, as well as a kitchen-equipped lounge.

The Metzler Gates are named for Dr. Oliver Sterling Metzler, who was a member of Williamsport Dickinson Seminary's Class of 1880 and a trustee of the school from 1911-1944. These gates were dedicated on October 14, 1939. These gates are known as the Graduation Gates because they are opened only once each year, during Commencement weekend.

What's in a Name? Part Two

The archival display on the first floor of the Snowden Library titled, "WHAT'S IN A NAME?" features six of Lycoming College's campus buildings named in honor of men and women who were important to the school and its development over the years. This is the first of an ongoing display to highlight all of our dedicated buildings.

Asbury Hall is named for the Reverend Bishop Francis Asbury, known as the father of the Methodist Church in the United States, on the site where the former Flock Mansion stood, whose owners operated the Flock Brewery once located on Lycoming’s campus. Originally a men’s residence Hall; Asbury is now one of the two all-freshmen halls and co-ed since 1971.

The Heim Building was dedicated in 1990 as a memorial tribure to Joseph and Clara Heim who were known for their commitment and service to the Greater Williamsport area. The building includes laboratories, reading rooms, a greenhouse, and many other facilities.

Dedicated in 1991 to the memory of a respected civic leader, John G. Snowden, who served as a state senator for 16 years and was chairman of the Republican Committee of Lycoming County, Snowden Library is a center for academic research and liberal arts education. It includes an art gallery on the first floor, the College Archives in the basement, the Methodist Archives on the third floor, as well as a collection of approximately 200,000 volumes.

The Mary L. Welch Theatre, formerly known as the Arena Theatre (1967), was rededicated in 2000 in honor of Mary L. Welch, long-term supportre of Lycoming College and patron of the Arts in Williamsport. Dr. Marshall D. Welch, Mary's husband, made one of the largest donations the college ever received.

Wesley Hall was constructed in 1956 as a men's residence hall. The building is named after John Wesley, founder of Methodism, in recognition of the long relationship Lycoming College has maintained with the Methodist Church.

Williams Hall was previously named North Hall, until 1980 when Joseph A. Williams, owner of St. Mary's Sewer Pipe Company and a benefactor of Lycoming College, donated funds to renovate the residence hall. He asked that it be rededicated in honor of his mother, Mary Ellen Whitehead Williams, who had single-handedly raised him and his three siblings after his father's death.

What's in a Name?

The archival display on the first floor of the Snowden Library titled, "WHAT'S IN A NAME?" features six of Lycoming College's campus buildings named in honor of men and women who were important to the school and its development over the years. This is the first of an ongoing display to highlight all of our dedicated buildings.

Dedicated in 1952, Long Hall was named in honor of Dr. John W. Long whose presidency (1921-1955) guided the transition from Dickinson seminary to Dickinson Junior College and eventually to Lycoming College. It originally housed the college library; today the administrative offices are located in Long Hall. The clock face in the tower was installed in 1959 as a gift from the class of 1958.

The student activities building, built in 1959, was named for Bishop D. Frederick Wertz, president of Lycoming College, 1955-1968. The building provides social and cultural facilities designed for student needs and recreation. In addition, food services, career development, student services, the college bookstore, and meeting rooms for campus organizations are housed in Wertz.

Rich Hall, named in honor of the Rich family, of which nineteen members attended Lycoming College or its predecessors. The hall was built in 1948 as Lycoming College was being accredited as a four-year institution. It remains, as always, an all-female residence hall.

Skeath Hall, built in 1965, is the largest residence hall and honors the late J. Milton Skeath, professor, dean, and head of the Psychology Department who taught at the college for 46 years. This building originally was a men’s residence hall, but now houses members of the freshman class.

Crever Hall is named in honor of Benjamin Crever, founder of Williamsport Dickinson Seminary, forerunner of Lycoming College. The residence hall was part of the campus’s expansion to accommodate increasing student populations in the 1960’s.

Clarke Building and Chapel,dedicated October 14, 1939. The Chapel was made possible through the bequest of Martha B. Clarke, Class of 1862 in honor of her family. Originally the dining hall was on the ground floor, but presently the Music Department is housed in that location. Choir and band concerts are held in the Chapel itself.

Holiday Greetings, Stocking Stuffers, and a Golden Anniversary

The Lycoming College Archives currently has two displays set up on campus. Now through January a collection of holiday cards and jewelery may be viewed on the main floor of Snowden Library. Over in Honors Hall, on the second floor, there is memorabilia commemerating the fifieth anniversary of the Class of 1960. These items will be in the case until November of 2010.

Holiday Greetings and Stocking Stuffers

Snowden Library is currently featuring a display of Presidential holiday cards and jewelry artifacts from the College Archives.

Class of 1960 display in Honors Hall

The display in Honors Hall memorializes the Class of 1960 with yearbooks, photographs, sports programs, and the freshman "dink."

To view other collections and photos, please visit the online Lycoming College Photo Archives.

Archery Season

Seven female archers practice on the lawn between the stone gate and steps leading to Old Main, and the railroad tracks. Old Main and the 'bridge' leading to Bradley Hall can be seen in the background. Cars are parked in front of the building.Two girls have bows pulled and ready to shoot, and five others observe. Girls are dressed in skirts that fall below the knee and blouses or sweaters. The photo was taken in the fall or early spring, since the trees are bare of leaves. The woman with the glasses may be Minnie V. Taylor, who was the Dean of Women at the Junior College in 1932.

Students pose near an archery target. Back of photo reads: 1942, James Ames, Kay Greenfield/Right/Secretarial course 1 year, Miriam Baugh.

To view other collections and photos, please visit the online Lycoming College Photo Archives.