Reminiscences of Dr. F.J. Pond: The Penn State Campus in the Atherton Era

As a student (Class of 1892) and eventually a professor at The Pennsylvania State College, Dr. Francis J. Pond was witness to a lively era of growth and change at the institution, spear-headed by President George W. Atherton. Prior to his death in 1943, Dr. Pond shared his memories of life on campus, covering topics like the establishment of fraternities, clubs, and literary societies, selection of the school colors, student pranks, compulsory chapel and military drills, and the college football scandals of the day. He paints a vivid picture of a place both foreign and familiar. Dr. Pond speaks to us across time through this short, but riveting, account of Penn State in its formative years.