By January of 1942, the Western Herald front page strikes a balance between a campus trying to adjust to war time changes while also trying to remain as “normal” as possible. The duality can be seen by looking at the event listing near the top of the paper; to the left “Help the Red Cross Help our Soldiers,” and to the right “Open House Today; Bring Your Date.” (Scroll down to read more.)
The January 8 edition features a number of stories that conjure the image of a typical campus: Play rehearsals for the semester performance were about to begin, “Players Select P. Barry Play For MidWinter;” five students were honored at a Detroit tournament, “Five Debaters Receive Honors in Tournament;” Zeta Delta Epsilon became the first fraternity to receive its charter since Omega Delta Phi in 1931, “New Fraternity Given Charter;” a new grounds superintendent was appointed, “Bond Resigns; Appoint Rooks Grounds Head;” a special presentation was to be given on campus, “Native Italian Demonstrates Sound Effects;” President Sangren was on his way to mingle with alumni, “Sangren will Speak For Alumni Council at Regional Event;” a student party was to be held the following day in Walwood Hall, “First Dance of Post Xmas Season;” the basketball team was celebrating a victory, “Broncos Beat Hope 47-42 in Fast Game;” and Vandercook Hall was to receive some regularly scheduled entertainment.
Twilight Musicales Now Being Held in Vandercook Hall
"Music lovers, and persons interested in classical music; or persons living in Vandercook Hall, will be interested to know that the program, usually scheduled for the Health and Personnel building has been transferred to the south lounge on the first floor of Vandercook Hall.
Everyone is invited including members of the faculty, and members of the student body, including women.
The program this afternoon, at 4, will be conducted by John Mangrum, it is reported by Harold Blair, professor of mathematics, who is in charge of the musicales.
On Tuesday, Jan. 13, Dr. Manley Ellis will have charge of the program, and will play the selections of classics that he has chosen for the afternoon."
Campus also showed signs of a nation at war, and a student body actively participating in service.
A guidance conference would be held on campus to discuss national defense and a changing world, “ Youth Leaders to Gather on Campus;” A panel of women traveled to Lansing to discuss the college woman’s place in defense, “League Heads Go To Lansing;” The yearbook was offering to forward editions to those who be in service the following semester, “Brown and Gold Makes New Offer, Gives Time;” juniors and seniors were encouraged to enlist in the Navy as prospective officers so they could complete their studies before entering the war, “Enlist in Navy, Stay In School;” an announcement was made calling for candidates for a Navy pilot training program, “V-5 Program for Flyers;” the story was told of an alumnus who crashed his plane into a pit to avoid hitting a neighborhood near his base, “Western Alum Dies Gloriously in Heroic Act;” and the past editor of the Western Herald wrote in from San Francisco while awaiting orders from the Navy.
Ex-Editor Goes to California for Navy Work
Writes Herald from Coast as He Awaits Passage
“In California - they know there’s a war.” So said Charles Churchill, editor of the Herald last year, in a short message from San Francisco, Cal., where he is awaiting further orders for duty in the Naval Intelligence department.
After months of nervous expectation, not knowing where to turn or what to plan; but knowing all the time that when called he would be sent into the heart of the present war zone in the East, Churchill finally received his call a few days before Christmas, and reported to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, and was immediately sent to California, where he is waiting passage.
To be stationed at Hawaii
Before receiving his notice to report for duty, Churchill had been notified that upon call he would be stationed in Hawaii.
Churchill entered Western in the spring of 1938 after transferring from Michigan State College, and then until his graduation, was an active member of the Herald staff. He became editor in 1940, and during the following year led the paper to the coveted All-American award given by the Associated Collegiate Press. This was the first time that the paper had received such an honor.
Received Union Award
While at Western he was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity, and was elected during the 1939-40 year as president of the Vandercook Hall council. At the same time he acted as proctor in one of the corridors.
Upon his graduation in June, Churchill received the coveted award given each year by the Men’s Union to the most outstanding senior man.
Worked on Gazette
Since last October, he has been a member of the editorial staff of the Kalamazoo Gazette. Besides his other activities, he acted as a staff member of the Brown and Gold, and served on the Student Council for the term of a year.
The paper also included two notices for students regarding enrollment; one for new “day” students and night students, and the other for upperclassmen. Both outlined enrollment procedures and warned of a $2 fine for late enrollment.