May 2003 Nostalgia

The social activities in which Ball State students participate may have changed, but the importance of relaxation still plays an active part of college life.

Seventy-five years ago, the majority of students spent their free time at on-campus activities, with an occasional visit to a restaurant or Muncie business establishment.

Maureen Huber who graduated in 1964, recalls her days as a student and says that student life today is dramatically different from when she was attending classes. When most students lived in residence halls, there was a sense of community and frequent interaction, Huber says, that allowed students to organize activities and to get to know one another. "Because we [sorority sisters] all lived on campus, the suite was our living room," Huber says.

In 1938, Forest, Elliott, and Lucina halls served as student dormitories, and with organizations planning between 50 and 60 social events each year, music and laughter echoed through the buildings on many evenings.

Grace DeHority and Harry Howick, the women's and men's deans, sponsored and attended nearly every event of the year, including formal dances at the Hotel Roberts and themed dances like the "Deep Sea," which took place in 1939 at Recital Hall. Women's sorority Sigma Beta Tau invited the entire student body to attend.

Forest Hall welcomed students to its annual Easter breakfast, a formal farewell dinner for seniors, and social gatherings of campus groups, including the Girls Club, the social club for Ball State women.

Lucina Hall, with its enlarged dining room and recreation room, also bustled with activity, and the 110 female residents hosted teas, dinners, and informal dances.

Opened in 1938, Elliott Hall housed three men's social fraternities. During its first year, the men of Triangle Club, now Theta Chi, Sigma Tau Gamma, and Delta Phi Sigma, forerunner to Sigma Phi Epsilon, invited students to visit their new homes for informal parties and dances.

Aside from on-campus involvement, a short walk to University Avenue or drive downtown opened the door to numerous social opportunities. In the 1930s, students took a break from classes to visit with friends over hamburgers and milkshakes, which cost less than a quarter at the Pineshelf and Tally-Ho restaurants.

Sully and Esther Sullivan owned both restaurants and welcomed students to those establishments, located on University and College avenues until the university began preparations to build the L.A. Pittenger Student Center in 1949.

In the 1950s, young men and women continued to preserve the memories of the well-known hangouts in the student center. They met with friends at the new Tally-Ho, a snack bar located in the new campus facility but approximately the same spot as the original restaurant. With the opening of the building, students also attended the Fall Carnival and watched films sponsored by the Student Center Governing Board.

"What I really enjoyed were the Spring Sings," says Huber.

Not far from campus, the Muncie community created social patterns that students still look forward to today. On Friday evenings, Orv's Drive-In, near downtown, served root beer floats and French fries during the spring and fall. To satisfy a sweet tooth, coeds walked down University Avenue and sampled warm cinnamon rolls at the College Sweet Shop or ice cream from the fountain in Dalby's Drug Store.

Instead of visiting the Rivoli theatre of the 1930s to see a movie, today's students attend free movies in Pruis Hall or drive to the nearest theatre to enjoy buttery popcorn and the latest releases.

The famous burgers and fries of the '50s didn't go out of style either, as a short drive to Steak 'n Shake, Puerto Vallarta, or Fazoli's offers food sure to satisfy any appetite. And if dessert is what they crave, men and women can pile into the car for a trip down to Cocannon's Pastry Shop, where chocolate chip cookies or a piece of buttercream cake will top off any evening.

In the future, college students may take advantage of different social opportunities, but the relief that comes with a break from the books will likely remain.