December 1964 at WMU

Western Michigan University has changed a great deal in the past 50 years. Although some things, like University Theatre productions, have remained constant, other things, like hitchhiking on campus and horsemanship classes, are relics of the past.

On December 2, 1964, University Theatre’s production of George Bernard Shaw’s “The Devil’s Disciple” opened. The Western Herald detailed the costumes that students prepared for the show. “Miss Kerber and her students have constructed the tight breeches, tailed coats, ruffled shirts, powdered wigs, and tri-corner hats for the men, and the laced bodices, kerchief collars, and long, full skirts for the women - the apparel worn by the colonists during the eighteenth century.”

Hitchhiking is no longer a common sight at WMU, but in December 1964, the Western Herald published an article urging students to observe hitching rules in order to stay safe in the winter.

“Hitching on the WMU campuses during the winter months is not so much a tradition as it is a near-necessity. Below-zero temperatures, gusty winds, and driving snow combine to make walking between campuses uncomfortable, if not downright unhealthy.”

The Western Herald also announced a physical education class in horsemanship.

“Enrollees are picked up in front of Zimmerman Hall and returned there also. The course fee is $75 and covers transportation and textbook. Students must wear a leather-heeled shoe and dress for winter classes held in an unheated indoor arena.”

 

Posted by Samantha Macy

The photo featured was taken from the 1965 Brown & Gold Yearbook. To view a digitized collection of WMU Yearbooks, click here. This post was compiled with resources available from the University Archives and Regional History Collections at WMU. To learn more about the Zhang Legacy Collections Center, click here.