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Description
Oral history interview with Illinois State Normal University alum Bernice (Ramsey) Spafford, Class of 1936. The interview was conducted on October 17, 1981 by Jerry Laney of the Student Alumni Council. Spafford begins by reminiscing about the campus of ISNU, noting changes such as the absence of the Old Main building and the expansion of the Student Union. She recalls working in the math office for 25 cents an hour, paid for by the National Youth Administration.
Spafford describes the influence of President Fairchild, who initiated various changes and reorganizations across departments. Discussing notable faculty members, she mentions individuals from the Social Studies and Math departments and expresses gratitude for the support she received. She touches upon the availability of services on campus, such as health services provided by Dr. Rachel Cooper and nurse Grace Shea, as well as the efforts of the Placement Bureau in helping students find teaching jobs.
The interview delves into extracurricular activities, with Spafford mentioning her involvement in the League of Women Voters and the significance of sports and dances in campus entertainment. She reflects on the prices of commodities during her time, including hamburgers and movies.
Spafford provides insights into the social and cultural aspects of the 1930s, describing the typical mode of dress and campus boundaries. She recalls Homecoming celebrations, including parades and the election of a queen. The interview concludes with Spafford sharing a few salient memories of her time at ISNU, including spelling tests for incoming freshmen and the close-knit community atmosphere at Illinois State University.
Interview Date
10-17-1981
Index
- Introduction: 00:00-01:52
- University administrators and faculty: 01:52-03:54
- Comparing college in the 1930s to the 1980s: 03:54-05:04
- Extracurricular activities: 05:04-06:01
- Campus services: 06:01-07:20
- Prices for common goods: 07:20-08:17
- Typical mode of dress: 08:17-09:41
- Living in Bloomington-Normal: 09:41-10:25
- Use of alcohol and tobacco: 10:25-10:59
- Favorite parts of ISNU; enrollment size: 10:59-13:05
- Changes in campus boundaries and buildings: 13:05-16:12
- Homecoming: 16:12-18:24
- Spelling tests for incoming students: 18:24-19:20
- Comparing required coursework between 1930s and 1980s: 19:21-21:51
- Decline of ISU as a teacher training college: 21:51-23:25
- Conclusion: 23:25-23:51
Biographical Statement
Bernice Anita Ramsey (1915-2007) was born to Clarence and Anna M. (Wolfe) Ramsey in St. Francisville, Illinois. She graduated from Illinois State Normal University with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education in 1936, then taught social science for a year at Drummer Township High School in Ford County, Illinois. She married Arthur W. Spafford, himself a 1935 ISNU graduate, in Chicago on June 4, 1937. Together they had two children. During the early 1950s both Bernice and Arthur worked as elementary school teachers in Corcoran, California. The family moved back to Bloomington in 1952, where Bernice taught third grade at Bent Elementary School. The couple had returned to the Los Angeles area by 1962, where they lived for the remainder of their lives.
Recommended Citation
Spafford, Bernice Anita, "Interview with Bernice Spafford, Class of 1936" (1936). Alumni Oral Histories. 14.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/aoh/14