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Daniel E. Meyers

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Section 06 – The 1950s

Irvin Hall’s Centennial: 1925-2025
Miami University, Oxford, Ohio

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The 1950s
IRVIN HALL IN 1950
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MIAMI UNVERSITY, OXFORD, OHIO JUNE 9, 1950 […] AFTERNOON SESSION MR. ANDERSON: We will resume, gentlemen, and we will hear the report of the Building Committee. MR. WHITLOCK: The Building Committee makes leave to make the following report: 1. On motion of Mr. Nippert, seconded by Mr. Fairley the Committee voted to concur in the recommendations of Mr. S. O. Linzell, Director of the Department of Public Works, with respect with the award of contracts for steam transmission lines, and power distribution and directed the Secretary of the Board to make request that contracts be entered into as follows; ITEM I. STEAM TRANSMISSION LINES STODDARD TO BENTON HALLS, IRVIN HALL AND LIBRARY The National Co., Inc. 219 King Ave., Columbus, Ohio For the sum of ,420.00 ITEM II. POWER DISTRIBUTION STODDARD TO BENTON HALLS Wagner Smith Co. 541 W. Second St., Dayton, 2, Ohio For the sum of ,650.00. Plans and specifications for the addition to the Library were presented by Mr. Russell Potter, representing Potter, Tyler and Martin, Architects, and Mr. O. L. Hilmer, representing Fosdlck and Hilmer, Consulting Engineers. Mr. Richey moved that these plans and specifications and other documents be approved, with the exception of a substitution of birch for quarter sawed oak and that the Chairman be authorized to sign all documents for the Committee. This motion was seconded by Mr. Walsh and passed. […]
Excavations, ditches, unlaid pipes and orange fire escapes seen around campus this fall are results of the Additions and Betterments bill of the 98th General Assembly. Providing S841,500 for improvements and additions to the Miami campus, this bill is effective from July 1, 1949 to June 30, 1951. This appropriation includes 6,500 for steam and electric transmission lines to new buildings and for replacement of old lines, some of which have been in use since 1909. Of this amount, a contract for ,420 has been awarded to the National company, of Columbus, for the extension of a new steam supply line from a point between Elliott and Stoddard halls to Benton hall. This line will have branches to Ogden, Harrison, Brice and Hepburn halls, permitting the abandonment of the old supply line to these buildings. New Line Included The greater part of heat mains, which have seriously interfered with classes and laboratory work in Harrison hall in recent years will be removed. The heat change also will include a new line to the library and to Irvin hall. Work on the steam and electric transmission lines began on August 1, necessitating the construction of several foot bridges in strategic points between classroom buildings. A contract of ,650 was awarded to the Wagner-Smith company, of Dayton, for construction of underground electric transmission lines to Ogden, Harrison. Brice, Hepburn and Benton halls and will permit the abandonment of the old overhead line which has been in use for many years. Part of the new lines are in tunnels and part in the latest type of underground insulation- The completion of this program will assure adequate steam distribution to all University buildings. […]
VIRTS ANNOUNCES LOCATION CHANGE FOR DEPARTMENT Rooms of the secretarial studies department have been moved from Hughes to Irvin hall. Prof. Dorothy Virts of the department announced recently. The rooms taken over are those vacated by the botany department in the southeast corner of the second floor. Professor Virts, Prof. Elizabeth A. Freel and Mr. Max Rosselot will have their offices in the new location. The botany department is now located in Upham hall.
DEPARTMENTS AND OFFICES IN IRVIN HALL AS OF 1950 Physics History Geography Business Administration Economics School of Business Dean’s Office The Miami Student, Recensio, Tomahawk, & M-Book University News Bureau Secretarial Studies (Moved back into Irvin)
POSTCARD OF IRVIN HALL IN 1951
STUDYING HITS NEW HIGH How surprising it is to get to the Library in the evening and find every seat taken! Usually students do not start frequenting the Library until mid-term and final examinations threaten. This fall the place both upstairs and down is crowded even when the weather is warm and the night air is so romantic. There must be some explanation to account for this condition which makes it extremely difficult to get reference books on reserve when they are not to be taken from the building. One reason for the large number studying there is probably the fact that many men from the well-filled Lodges and many women from Hamilton hall recreation room must go there to find conditions suitable for studying. The necessity of using reference books for assignments may be another reason. Rooms in Irvin hall have not been opened as yet to permit the overflow to study there. We hope the University docs open these rooms soon to alleviate such a deplorable condition. What upsets us is this — students who are slow and who have studied in the Library in the afternoon save places for themselves by leaving their books at one of the tables. Such action seems to be thoughtless when these individuals are willing to deprive others of the use of books by saving that space for themselves. Since the addition to the Library probably will not be done for a semester or more, students should start practicing thoughtfulness. If you do not need to use reference books, try to find other space In which to study. When you are done studying in the afternoon and fee! that you will not be back before 8 in the evening, think of others. As the various organizations set up study rooms and as other space becomes available for study, overcrowding will diminish. Until then, be thoughtful, but do not stop studying. EB
SOCIOLOGISTS BEGIN MUSEUM IN IRVIN HALL Reed skirts, axe heads, wood carvings and battle weapons, all from the Maori people of New Zealand constitute the beginnings of an anthropological museum begun by the sociology department in room 1 Irvin hall, according to Bill Cottrell, 4 A-S. museum assistant. These articles were loaned indefinitely to the museum by C. W. Tribole, ‘40. of Milford. Utah, and will be supplemented in the future by items from ancient civilizations in all parts of the world. Tribole, a nephew of Prof. W F. Cottrell of the sociology department, obtained these articles through the help of Miss Hinauri Strongman, a Maori teacher in Whangaruru (pronounced "Fang-a-roo-ron"), New Zealand. In addition to the above mentioned articles, the collection also includes a model of a Maori dwelling, various samples of the native weaving, head bands and smoking pipes.
RESERVED ROOMS NOW OPEN TO ALL There will be rooms open for study in Irvin hull beginning Monday, September 20, according to Mrs. Grace Dome, Social Director. Rooms 105, 106, 202, 203, 205, and 207 will be open in Irvin hall to anyone desiring someplace other than the residence hall or fraternity house to study. The rooms will be open from 7 until closing hours each weekday evening. These rooms are for anyone io use and cannot be reserved for any special group, fraternity, sorority or club, Mrs. Dome emphasized. It is hoped that these additional study rooms may be enough to absorb the students who never could find a quiet place to study before, Mrs. Dome said.
From cell-like solitude to boisterous "seminars" each student has his own tastes in study when exams come around again. On the top row from left to right is pictured the typical "Res” session, the recluse in the attic of a University building and the all-night laboratory grind. In the second row a student curls up in a hall study room, a sleepy-head studies in the library stacks, and finally room 14 Irvin hall. Obvious study places such as the library are, of course, crowded.
IRVIN HALL, HOME OF ‘STUDENT’ PROVIDES WORK, FELLOWSHIP By Mary Saltzsteln Step right up and come along, down into the lower depths of Irvin hall. On the left we see two dingy basement rooms which command a lovely view of the window wells. Radiator pipes cover the ceiling, and pieces of yellow copy paper cover the floor. The aromas of cigarette smoke, coffee and popcorn float out of the office and down the basement corridor. The pounding of typewriters fills the air. Yes, this is the home away from home of every budding Miami journalist — the office of the Student. Here in these humble rooms, headlines are written, proof is read and would-be Joseph Pulitzers and Marquorlte Higginses write headlines, read proof and turn out news stories, features and editorials. Varied Inhabitants Who are the inhabitants of these nether regions of Irvin? Some of them are newspapermen of the future who gain experience by working on the Student and others are business, education and zoology majors who come down here because they like the work or the, company or the Jokes. These strange inhabitants come in all verities, shapes and sizes, tanging from large red heads to small, shapely blondes; but they all have distinguishing marks of printers ink on their hands and drees under their eyes. They are noted for their ability to drink enormous quantities of coffee, to make up Interesting quotes for professors and to write many lines of filler. Enthusiasm Necessary In order to become one of these denizens of the depths of Irvin hall it is not necessary to have a great deal of writing talent or newspaper experience. All one needs is enthusiasm, willingness to work anti a strong pair of legs for peddling Clarabelle, the Student bicycle to and from the Oxford Press. If you enter this sacred society of college journalists, you'll have to endure the insults of issue editors, the corny Jokes of desk editors and the barbed comments of the senior staff. You’ll work for hours on impossible headlines and chase all over Oxford after nebulous stories, but besides the work there is lots of fun and fellowship among those dungeon dwellers of Irvin hall.
RECENSIO The steady drone of voices and the staccato click of typewriters can be heard cascading from Irvin hall at any time throughout the year. Primarily a classroom building, Irvin is also the home of the student publications, and consequently, the place where the paths of many Miamians cross. Irvin, which houses the history department, was built in 1925 in memory of Horace A. Irvin, a member of the class of 1874 and a past member of the Board of Trustees. Adjacent to Irvin hall is a building of similar structure, Hughes hall. Between classes, the walks leading to Hughes are crammed with chemistry, economic and accounting majors. In its main floor auditorium, music groups and the student-faculty council meet. Lecturers are received by large turnouts in one of the second floor spacious rooms. These two buildings are constantly in use by many students and faculty members. Would you like to learn about rocks and stones, or the composition of the earth? You can, if you explore Brice hall, home of the geology labs and classrooms. One of its interesting features is the museum. Geology students have had the experiences of those early morning field trips as they leave from Brice and head towards the woods and caves. Brice was erected in memory of Calvin S. Brice.
THE WEATHER By Hiawabop If you’re lucky enough to own an electric blanket, you better check to see 'that It’s in good working order — otherwise plan to sleep in ski suits because the temperature is getting ready to drop BELOW ZERO early tomorrow morning. Campus sports will again be in full swing as the ski shoots and toboggan paths will be in good shape on Slant Walk and from Irvin down to Richard and Vet Ville. Weather will be fair and cold all weekend with temperatures possibly rising to a high of 36 degrees. Lowest on Sunday will be around 26 degrees. More snow or rain is expected for Monday With temperatures coming up a few degrees. Happy sledding!
MIAMI CAMPUS, 11” X 14” (195-) View from Northeast, includes Old Main, Beta Bells, Alumni Hall, Irvin Hall, Clokey Hall, Brice Hall, Elliot, and Stoddard Halls.
MIAMI CAMPUS, 11” X 14” (195-) View from Northwest, includes Old Main, Alumni Hall, Elliot and Stoddard Halls, Clokey Hall, Irvin Hall, and Brice Hall.
RECENSIO Tina Van Tassel, Editor. On a warm spring night the seven new editors were announced. Immediately they began to overflow with ideas which they scribbled
down and filed for the coming year. Before anyone realized September was here again. The basement of Irvin came to life. Doors were opened, cobwebs dusted away and
the office cleaned. Work, work, work! The office managers started off the year industriously selling books in payline. As weary
fellow-classmen approached the exit, they were
stopped with the question, ''Say, have you bought a RECENSIO?” […] Margie Hersh, assistant business manager; Patti Zurbrugg, copy editor; Anne Rathbun, photography editor; Jackie Blum, advertising manager.
EXECUTIVE OFFICES MOVE INTO ADMINISTRATION BUILDING By July Smith Offices in the Administration Building come from six different buildings scattered over the campus to one central location. Benton Hall, Bonham House, Bishop Hall, the University Hospital, Irvin Hall, and Ogden Hall housed the offices which are now located in the Administration Building. Although many of the occupants have completed the job of moving into new offices, others are still in the process. Building Houses News Bureau The News Bureau is also in the new building. Some of the first offices are those of the deans, Bursar and the Registrar. Other offices on the second floor include John D. Millett’s, the Board of Trustees, and the treasurer’s, among others. Further changes are occurring from the migration into the Administration building. The Student Counseling Service will move into Ogden Hall, occupying the former office of the Dean of Men as well as the Ogden Assembly Room, which will be set up for testing purposes. […]
DEPARTMENTS AND OFFICES IN IRVIN HALL AS OF 1956 Physics History Geography Business Administration Economics The Miami Student, Recensio, Tomahawk, & M-Book Secretarial Studies (Moved back into Irvin)
THE UBIQUITOUS ONE Michael Kelly […] Many of the business students who belong to the “standing outside of Irvin before my 9 o’clock" club were treated to a rare experience last week. Floyd, the large but usually gentle beast belonging to the Sigma Nu club, had treed a cat just outside the main doors of the building. While many awed spectators just stood there and gaped, Floyd would charge around the tree wooflng quite loudly. Finally, because too many people were afraid to enter the building past the puppy, several brave gentlemen (identity unknown) made the supreme sacrifice and held Floyd off so others could get to class. […]
A MATTER OF CONSIDERATION… With the very first signs, even hints, of spring a migration of high school seniors and parents invades Miami’s campus as prospective students seek to look over the campus. Let’s hope that these visitors get as good an impression as we did — and we must have liked what we saw or, obviously, we would not be here. A stroll through campus at some times, however, docs prove a little bit discouraging. Not that the situation is completely the fault of the students even though it is their cigarette butts, their empty coke bottles, their empty cigarette packages and their miscellaneous trash Which composes the litter. Perhaps it can be said that there are not enough receptacles for cigarettes or that the trash containers arc not properly placed—after all, it would be imposing too much to ask anyone that he hold on to a wrapper or other piece of trash until he reaches an appropriate place to get rid of it. When students assemble between classes at such places as the “hang-out” in front of Irvin Hall, less than ten minutes can go by before the ground is littered with cigarette butts — and other odds and ends. We can ask for more containers but -when we get them — let’s use them. Why be messy. It’s just as easy to be considerate — if not of ourselves, at least of others and the campus.
CUSTODIAN CRINGES AT LITTER; STUDENTS FAIL TO HEED PLEA By Nancy Jameson Cigarettes scattered on the floor, crumpled old test papers, candy wrappers added to sighs of despair and unheeded pleas of help are about all that fill the life of a custodian in a university building. Every piece of litter dropped on the floor must be picked up — by whom? The custodian. A Litter Tour in Irvin Let’s travel through a typical week with a custodian in Irvin Hall —minus the extra litter. The first thing every morning after the building is unlocked six restrooms must be cleaned before classes start. This is done for the convenience of the students. From Monday through Wednesday, the time in the morning is spent cleaning the offices. Tasks such as dusting and emptying the wastebaskets are routine. Then every day after 3 p.m. all the classrooms are swept, dusted and generally made tidy for the next day. Students Ignore Baskets When asked what the greatest detriment to his job -was, the custodian interviewed answered that the students seemed to ignore completely the fact that at every door there are refuse containers. They seem to think that the floors and sidewalks are one big rubbish pit. He further pointed out that there is a fine for smoking in the building but nevertheless by noon all the halls are obliterated with none other than cigarette butts. They are even found in the classrooms themselves. Litter Causes Trouble Litter not only keeps Miami from looking like a well-kept university it also keeps the maintenance people so busy doing extra cleaning tasks they barely have time for their regular duties. Where does this fault lie? In the eyes of the psychologist, it may go back to some quirk in the childhood of a student. But in the eyes of an honest, hard-working custodian it only means we are deaf to the cries of help.
CUSTODIAN CRINGES AT LITTER; STUDENTS FAIL TO HEED PLEA - Continued An S.O.S. Unheeded When someone asks for help it is usually granted. When someone pleads for help, most people rush to be of service. Why have we failed here? What is true in Irvin Hall is true in all of the other classroom and residence halls. The only way to nip Miami's fast growing problem in the equally fast growing bud is to begin with ourselves. Observe the pleas from our custodians. Observe the refuse containers.
“STUDENT” VIEWS 130 YEARS By Carol Weinberg […] "Student” Appears in May The first appearance of the Miami "Student” as such was in May 1867. The "Student” of 1867 had three columns and was supposed to be published every other Tuesday, but it usually came out late. Issues of the original "Student" carried such features as world news, advertisements, fraternity news, social events, literary stories, and sports. "Student” Progresses By 1917 the "Student" had progressed to a six column, five page affair. The "Student" of 1953 became completely recognizable although it had seven columns instead of today’s eight. At the beginning of this year the "Student” office was moved from the basement of Irvin Hall into a modern office on the second floor of the new University Center.
PHOTOGRAPHS OF STUDENTS OUTSIDE IRVIN HALL, OCTOBER 1958
DEPARTMENTS AND OFFICES IN IRVIN HALL AS OF 1958 Physics History Geography Business Administration Economics French German Spanish Language Laboratory
SIDEBAR On a serene September day in 1958 a grappling bucket on a swinging crane bit off the roof of the east tower of Harrison Hall. After a century and a third the old Main Building was coming down. … The old was giving way to new as the sesquicentennial year began. Note: I believe that the language departments moved into Irvin Hall in the summer of 1958, since their old department location was slated for demolition.
THE SESQUICENTENNIAL EVENTS… … IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION “For the training of those who are to rise above the ranks.” If mottoes were in vogue, this one could serve the School. First come its sound foundation – background in arts, humanities, and science through the Common Curriculum — then basic courses, and finally, specialization. The break between classes, with Irvin Hall as background, on an Indian Summer day. It’s the year of the bicycle, and as for campus dress: it’s casual.
IRVIN HALL IN AUGUST 1959
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