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Flashback to '51: Flashes at Mid-century

The Chestnut Burr yearbook captures ��ɫ��ҹ during the postwar college boom

Jen Lennon

by Jen Lennon

April 29, 2026

Gee whiz! Take a gander at 1951 as we flip through photos from The Chestnut Burr, ��ɫ��ҹ University's student-produced yearbook, published from 1914 through 1985. These snapshots capture campus life during the postwar boom — a time of bobby socks, soda fountains and the birth of rock and roll.

Professor teaching in 1951 — "As the pages unfold before your eyes, we hope that you will remember the life here at ��ɫ��ҹ University. We hope that each time the cover is turned, this school year of 1950-51 will begin again with the same vividness that it now holds for you."

Teaching showing a map of Korea during Korean War conflict in 1951 — "Professor Hallock F. Raup, head of the geography department, points out the progress of the Korean war on a map in the student union."

Two students hanging out on campus in 1951 — "In years to come, it will be these scenes that will bring a touch of nostalgia to the old grad on Homecoming Day. Memories of warm Spring days on the campus talking to a pretty co-ed will intermingle with shivered thoughts of 'the big snow.'"

Front campus 1951 — "With a serenity all its own, the University is here displayed as our photographers saw it in the year 1951."

Art Building 1951 — "Completion of the new Arts Building marks the fifth such unit to be added to the university's building and expansion program. Erected at a cost of $790,000, the completely modern and attractive building is called by many 'the embodiment of the latest in scientific and architectural design.'"

Student painting in the new art building in 1951 — A student artist paints the view from the new Arts building.

Stater editors in 1951 — Directed by Editor John Koshar, the Daily ��ɫ��ҹr of the fall quarter led the attack on the illegal seating of members of student council. Koshar's scathing editorials and overall work in this campaign proved that he was worthy of the American Newspaper Guild trophy which he won in 1950." "Editor John Koshar, Managing Editor George Way, Publications Advisor Dario Politella in conference."

��ɫ��ҹr copy desk in 1951 — "Jean Hannum, John Burdock, Fred Blankenship, Phyllis Slack, Bud Williams, Don Friedman nad Priscilla Thompson around the copy desk."

Chestnut Burr staff 1951 — "On the business side of the Stater, Bill King checks with Vince Sauer while Ron Ineman checks the files. Kent Hottell writes bills while Guy Shelley checks a phone call with Parker Voll. J. Allen Slaby and Jim Andrews select new ad designs."

Chestnut Burr staff 1951 — Photographers of the Chestnut Burr. Front Row: Bill Samaras, Pat Lafferty, Norm Salem, Joyce Tompkins, Earl Swaney. Second Row: Bill Sitler, J. Deming Hooper, Ronald Moscati, Paul Hulstrand.

Football game in 1951 — "Resuming their traditional battle, Akron and Kent met at the Rubber Bowl and literally tore each other apart. The final score of 19 to 7 was indicative of only part of the action ... Kent retained the traditional Wheel and ran its victories to 6 straight over the Zips."

Students walking on campus in 1951 — "We walk to the Hub for coffee."

Stocking the vending machine in 1951 — "The candy man fills the machines daily..."

Getting candy out of the vending machine in 1951 — "...and we empty them just as fast."

Students in their dorm rooms 1951 — "A home away from home are the dormitories for more than 1,000 students who live on campus. Freshman girls call Moulton Hall their home, sophomore coeds live in Lowry Hall, junior, senior, and graduate women reside in Engleman Hall, while the men live in Stopher Hall and Terrace Lodge."

Students dancing at a dance with a band playing in 1951 — "Campus Night crowds dance in Will's gym to the music of Ray McKinley and his orchestra." Bill Samaras

Band singing at Campus Night in 1951 — "Ray McKinley and crew cut a few capers."

The crowd at the Spring fashion show in 1951 — "Part of the crowd at the Spring Fashion show."

Freshman dink for upperclassmen in 1951 — "Frosh Miriam Bowers and Marcia Hill dink for upperclassmen Gene Toot and Bob McMaken."

Seal scrubbing during freshman week in 1951 — "A typical freshman week scene is the seal scrubbing."

Women's League Style Show in 1951 — "What Christian Dior and Jacques Fath forgot, Women's League remembered, revamped and presented at their Style Show, February 15, in the Union Ballroom." "The latest fashion trends from Paris and New York were exhibited with flourishes worthy of highest-paid magazine models. Pat Long was the general chairman of the affair, which attracted a full house of breathless females and their rather tolerant escorts."

Miss ��ɫ��ҹ 1951 — Miss Gerry Carroll Miss ��ɫ��ҹ

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