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 and staff writer.

Penn State Women’s Volleyball Looking Towards Successful 2026 Campaign After Bumpy 2025

The Nittany Lions can lean on talented returners this season, but brought in a lot of new talent.

Center For The Performing Arts Announces 2026-27 Season

Center for the Performing Arts 2026-27 season features Broadway, Ballet, Jazz, and more.

Former Penn State Wrestler Bo Nickal Set To Face Olympic Champion In RAF Event

Nickal recently fought in the UFC White House event.

113kFollowers
69.5kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter
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