Penn State news by
Penn State's student blog

Topics

More

Distraction of the Day: Penn State, Circa 1950’s

I admit that I’m a nerd for Penn State history, but I think you’ll still find this video cool as hell even if you don’t know what Old Willow is.

Penn State Libraries digitized a video from the 1950’s that introduced viewers to Penn State life back then, and the scenes of campus six decades ago are mesmerizing. Also, its narrator has that classic retro voice that usually accompany videos from the era, a nice touch.

My favorite parts:

0:36 — West Halls looks the same. The cars on Burrowes, on the other hand…

1:20 — “There are always signs of change to be found here,” the narrator says while scenes of construction play. Some things never change, I suppose.

2:19 — “They say that the world is moving into the space age now, but whether that is so or not…”

4:30 — A montage of buildings from Old Main to the library looking incredibly similar now to how they did then. So cool.

6:17 — On the emergence of television: “Both students and teachers find the new medium challenging. All available evidence seem to indicate that television is a growing asset, and that the new medium has a very definite place in the modern university.” Good call, narrator guy.

10:13 — One of the downright coolest shots of the video shows the Allen Street Mall, sans tulips.

Give it a watch:

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Tim Gilbert

Former Managing Editor of this site, now just makes lots of #content for it from the Phyrst’s Table 69. Senior from Philadelphia. First-generation Penn Stater. I might go to law school after this, but I might not, too. “For the Glory” is in my email signature because I’m a douche. [email protected] is my email if you want to tell me why I suck. Alternatively, you can call me out on Twitter @OlGilb.

Top 10 Plays From Penn State Football’s 2023 Season

Just how good was that Dom DeLuca pick-six against Delaware?

Dylan Mulvaney Talks Musical Theater, Fashion In SPA Lecture

Mulvaney was emotionally vulnerable with the audience while offering plenty of words of advice.

‘Every Centerman’s Stock Has Raised’: Long-Term Injury Forces Penn State Men’s Hockey To Adapt

“As unfortunate as that is, it gives someone an opportunity to step in.”

Follow on Another Platform
113kFollowers
164kFollowers
59kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Other posts by Tim

Penn State’s New Academic Mark Is Just Awful

My brain is not able to understand how a team of people supposedly proficient in this industry gathered, looked at this new mark, and said, “Yes, this will do!”

Penn State Hoops To Host DePaul In Inaugural Gavitt Tipoff

James Franklin To Throw First Pitch At Yankee Stadium On April 28