Listen to the 1977 Gospel Choir

The DSU archives is giving a HUGE shout-out to 302 Stories Inc. for converting a prized LP record to CD!

The James A. Prettyman collection is my go-to source when examining the university's material culture circa 1965 to 1980. Contained within it are college pennants, clothing, pins, various souvenirs and an LP record of the Gospel Choir from 1977.

From my first day at Delaware State University, this Gospel Choir LP frustrated me. The opportunity to hear voices from the past was always right in front of me and yet so far out of reach because of  technological and financial limitations. Aside from a VHS player, I do not have the ability to playback or convert any audiovisual media.

When the archive's 125th anniversary exhibit opened a year ago, I included the record in one of the display cases. I thought that, at the very least, it added color and intrigue, and I noted that visitors enjoyed seeing it. What I didn't expect was that one set of visitors in particular, 302 Stories Inc., a documentary film company, would be able to provide me with access to the audio.

Thanks to Jeanne and Mike who enthusiastically converted the audio, I can now play the music of Take Me There to my heart's content. Stop by the archives any time to listen to the 1977 Gospel Choir! Were you a member of the choir? Let me know! I'd love to hear your stories.

Dr. Reba Hollingsworth

Delaware State University recently honored Dr. Reba Ellen Ross Hollingsworth, an alumna of both the laboratory high school and the State College for Colored Students. Dr. Reba is one of the most amazing women I know! I appreciate her most for the indelible wisdom that has informed both my personal and professional life.   During my first-ever meeting with her I immediately had the odd sensation that she was someone I did not want to disappoint.  I knew that she would expect me to use my God-given talents to the fullest and brook no excuses if I did not.

Dr. Reba is a friend to the archives and believes in the importance of understanding the history that shapes the university today and appreciating the hard work of those who came before us. Take a look at the video above and see for yourself.

Starting an Oral History Program

Dr. Reba Hollingsworth '49

In summer 2016, the DSU archives was invited by a group of stellar alumni to join the DSU Legacy Committee whose purpose is to disseminate the stories of university history through a variety of platforms - the university website, exhibits, alumni events, and more. I'm so grateful that the committee counts it their primary objective to increase the outreach of the archives and encourage alumni to donate their personal records.

I'm pleased to announce that the legacy committee and I have initiated an oral history program! We are on a mission to film some of our most respected and senior alumni in order to capture their memories and personal experiences at the State College for Colored Students, Delaware State College, and of course Delaware State University.

To date, we have filmed interviews with three individuals who graduated from SCCS in the 1940's. All three, Dr. Cora Selby '40, Mrs. Courtney Stevenson '44, and Dr. Reba Hollingsworth '49, are remarkable women who are so very generous, kindhearted, well-spoken and intelligent.

In sharing their stories, these women were able to look back on rich, full lives with pride and recall so many achievements.  What I appreciated the most was that their accomplishments had nothing to do with fame, glory, or riches.  Instead, they were proud of life lessons learned from hard work - how to use a household dryer instead of sending clothes to the dry cleaner, and being charitable with time and money even when you may not have much yourself.

If you'd like to gain some of this wisdom, hear funny stories, and learn about DSU history, come to the archives to view the oral histories.  This is an ongoing project so we've got a long list of interviews still ahead. Do you or someone you know have stories to share about Delaware State University? Let us know!

 Written by Joy Scherry

2016 Alumni Luncheon

Written by Joy Scherry

On May 19, 2016 I had a rare and wonderful opportunity to examine DSU history with the people who lived it. As the archivist I have the unique ability to examine primary source documents every day. While I count this as a very great privilege, the records do not provide clear pictures of human emotions or motivations. This level of understanding can only be gained by speaking with the people present at the time.

The 2016 Alumni Luncheon was one such occasion as alumni from as far as Florida convened in Dover for a luncheon where they swapped stories, shared memorabilia, listened to a presentation by Carlos Holmes (DSU’s Unofficial historian), and viewed a display of materials from the DSU archives.

I love alumni gatherings for a number of reasons but primarily because there are tidbits of information that cannot be captured on paper and are instead passed on through oral tradition.  Did you know that Dr. Maurice Thomasson, sociology professor and two-time acting-president, was fondly called Dr. Ether?  Like the drug, Dr. Thomasson’s lectures put students to sleep.  

By far, my favorite part of the day was a discussion of the 1968 student unrest. In case you’re not familiar with this event, the gist of it is that students wanted to name the first student center after Martin Luther King Jr. but because administrators didn’t reply to their request, the students interrupted the building’s dedication ceremony in order to so name the building. The circumstances of event have always been cloudy, but yesterday there were individuals present to offer three distinct perspectives – that of President Mishoe’s secretary representing the voice of administrators, the viewpoint of students present for the unrest, and lastly an individual who was a member of the Delaware National Guard that was dispatched to quell the demonstration.  Perhaps for the first time, contemporaries were able to reconcile their perceptions and gain a better understanding of the opposing viewpoint.  Because of the candid and chance nature of the conversation I doubt that this is an experience that can be duplicated.  I’m grateful that I was present to witness it.

Each time I attend alumni gatherings I am always truly inspired by the friendship and joy shared by the people present. Watching the DSU family reminds me that even though experiences can be shared, every life is unique and has immeasurable value.  

While listening to Mr. Holmes' presentation, Pauline Walker Wilkes, seated fourth from the left, had a special moment when she realized she was looking at a picture (below) of her younger self.  Additionally pictured here is the oldest living alumni, Mrs. Stevenson, age 102 (seated fifth from the left). 

Pauline Walker Wilkes, pictured in the center

Class of 1966

The Delaware State University Archives would like to welcome the Class of 1966 back to campus! Congratulations on your 50^th anniversary!  We wish you many happy returns!  Here's your senior year in review:

Delaware State College in 1966:

            College President: Dr. Luna I. Mishoe

            Number of Faculty: 66

            Student Enrollment: Approx. 900

Number of Student Organizations: 20 clubs, 7 Greek organizations

Tuition: Approx.  $1,125.00 including room and board

            Number of Academic Departments: 17

 

Popular Culture in 1966:

Top songs:

We Can Work It Out by The Beatles

Ballad of the Green Beret by Sgt. Barry Sadler

Monday, Monday by The Mamas & The Papas

Top TV Series:

Bonanza

Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.

The Lucy Show

Major International events that occurred during your senior year:

September 6, 1965 – India invades West Pakistan marking the official beginning of the Indo-Pakistani War

November 11, 1965 –  The Unilateral Declaration of Independence is signed in Rhodesia. The UN deemed the government behind the declaration an “illegal racist minority regime,” and enforces an arms embargo - a first for the UN Security Council.

February 3, 1966 –215,000 US soldiers were present in Vietnam

March 2, 1966 – First soft landing on the moon is achieved by Soviet Luna 9.

Donating to the Archives

Dear DSU Alumni,

It is nearly spring!  The season officially begins on March 20, but here on the DSU campus spring has already sprung. The trees are blooming, the tulips are popping up, and the grass is green.  Last week the campus facilities team cleaned and refreshed the grounds while our students celebrated spring break.  This can only mean one thing.  It’s time for spring cleaning!

Alumni, as you brave the recesses of your garage, closets, or maybe even your attic (eek!), you are likely to encounter items from your college heydays.  Have you considered donating them to Delaware State University?

The University Archives utilizes the records and artifacts gifted by alumni to support the further growth of the university.   Alumni records are used in a diversity of manners which currently include marketing initiatives, public programming and exhibits, in support of student research, and in a forthcoming coffee table book.

I have personally met many of you, and I know that you possess a wealth of information about this university and local community.  I have heard your amazing stories!  I am asking you to now consider sharing your tangible records with me.  I am confident that many of you have sports apparel, photographs, event programs, news clippings, personal correspondence with classmates, scrapbooks, and so much more.  Will you consider gifting these items to the archives?

I promise to properly care for them.  Your items will become a collection that bears your name and is accompanied by a research guide that tells your story.  Additionally, your collection will be preserved in acid-free boxes and stored in a controlled environment.

The most cherished items in the university archives do not come from the Board of Trustees, presidents, or faculty.  They come from former students who made this school home.  Please call me at 302-857-6130 or email me at rscherry@desu.edu to learn more.

 

Yours,

 Joy

Men relaxing in the T-building c. 1960. This photograph was donated

to the archives by alumnae Eula Maloy Oliver in 2015.