The Technician has been running for nearly 100 years, with the first issue published on Feb. 1, 1920. Throughout the years, NC State has seen many different events, from great successes to terrible tragedies and everything in-between. Time, and language itself, has changed over the years but for almost every major event, Technician was there.
Thanksgiving is less than 10 days away. Before you chow down on turkey, cash in on sales and catch up on sleep, see how NC State has celebrated the holiday over the years.
In 1927, the college had cause to celebrate on Turkey Day after an impressive football win against the University of South Carolina. Two days after the holiday, on Nov. 26, Technician ran a front-page article titled “State Wins Turkey Day Clash 34 to 0” which led with the following statement:
“Columbia, S.C., Nov. 24. – The Wolfpack of N.C. State lived up to its reputation here today on Melton Field and took the long end of the 34-to-0 score over the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, closing its conference schedule without a loss and with but one loss this year.”
On Nov. 21, 1950, Technician ran the headline “Happy Thanksgiving to All.” Accompanying the headline was a picture of a turkey and this caption:
“This cocky fellow is the king of the roost today, but Thursday he will be just another slice of meat between a pile of potatoes and gravy and the cranberry sauce. State College students will leave the campus Wednesday for an extended Thanksgiving holiday and won’t return to school until Monday morning.”
In the same paper was a report on estimated highway car accident deaths, titled “Deal with Death: Break It!!” and another article titled “Many Blessings Seen Around State Campus,” the latter of which quoted the Methodist Hymnal before a list of items for which college students should be grateful. The first read as follows:
“Let us give thanks that most of us acquire the right to vote before we graduate from college, and that the administrators of the State are coming to appreciate our influence.”
The article also gave thanks for the opportunity to study and work in Pullen Hall. This statement was likely in reference to the first Pullen Hall, which was burned down by student arsonists in February 1965. The Pullen Hall on campus now was not built until 1987. Ironically, the article also gave thanks to students not burning down buildings.
“Praise the powers that these superb educational facilities have not been dismantled or burned by exuberant students celebrating their 21- and 22-hour schedules.”
It’s really no wonder the building eventually burned down.
A Nov. 22, 1966 article titled “‘Peter Pops’ Feeds Boys” discussed an event where the Sigma Pi fraternity fed a pre-Thanksgiving feast to 39 boys from impoverished homes. The tradition, known as “Peter Pops Day,” was in celebration of a former brother of the fraternity who attended State during World War II.
On Nov. 25, 1968, three days before Thanksgiving, an opinion editorial with the title “‘Thanks For What?’” and the subheading “Here Are Some Answers…” It began as follows:
“In an era that may prove to be the most critical in the history of Man, some find it hard to be thankful, find nothing for which to be thankful.”
It continued in the second paragraph:
“Their pessimism is not without foundation. They can point to Vietnam, race, crime, the nuclear threat and a host of other nemeses as evidence for the gloomy outlook.”
Despite this dire beginning, the article went on to find things to be thankful for.
“Segregation in public areas is past tense.”
Another:
“A nuclear non-proliferation treaty — pushed by candidate Humphrey — will probably be ratified.”
The article also thanked NC State for reasonable administration, high quality faculty and a student body made up of many beliefs. The editorial ended with a message for peace:
“We’re not viewing the world through rose glasses. The ol’ globe is riddled with holes, patched up with string and baling wire. But there is one factor that keeps hope’s lamp lit, that cannot be quelled: The basic goodness of Man.”
