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Description
Oral history interview with Illinois State Normal University alumni William Samp and Read Hanback, Class of 1935. The interview was conducted in Fall 1980 by James Russell Steele, then editor of ISU alumni publications. The interview covers various aspects of Samp and Hanback’s time at ISNU, including academic life, extracurricular activities, campus services, transportation, cost of living, and societal changes during the 1930s.
Samp recalls the challenging years of the Great Depression, emphasizing the financial struggles of students during that time. He touches on Presidents Harry Brown and Raymond Fairchild, as well as several professors in the math and science program, including Ralph Gooding, Clifford Mills, Elinor Flagg, Edith Atkin, and Laura "Ma" Pricer.
Hanback, who worked 60 hours a week while at ISNU, acknowledges limited participation in extracurricular activities but notes the importance of such activities, especially football, for other students. Due to Dean Linkins’ flexibility in course selection for students with work schedules, Hanback recalls making it to senior year without having taken several courses required for graduation and struggling to fit all his physical education classes into his final semester.
Hanback praises the placement service for helping College of Education students secure jobs as teachers despite limited opportunities. Apart from the office of Dr. Rachel Cooper, he recalls health and other services for students’ well-being being limited. He explains that automobile ownership was rare, with walking being the primary mode of transportation. Limited bus and streetcar services were available.
Samp recalls prices for meals, movies, and gasoline. He notes the relative affordability of education compared to today. The impact of the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt's election, and the bank moratorium are also discussed. He mentions that nine of the eleven banks in Rockford, Illinois had to close their doors because of runs on the bank.
Entertainment for students included getting a coke at the Alamo, attending dances, watching free movies at Capen Auditorium, and occasional visits to Bloomington theaters for those who could afford it. Restrictions on alcohol consumption on campus are mentioned, with Hanback recalling the era of Prohibition and the risk of being expelled if caught drinking.
The interviewees reminisce about the layout of the campus and major buildings, mentioning McCormick Gymnasium, Fell Hall, Cook Hall, Metcalf, Old Main, the Science Building, and Milner Library. Both participants conclude with fond memories of ISU, Samp highlighting his involvement in speech, debates, and the Junior-Senior Prom, while Hanback emphasizes the close-knit community and lasting friendships he formed as a student.
Interview Date
1980
Index
- Introductions: 00:00-00:43
- Notable faculty and administrators: 00:43-02:27
- Comparing 1930s and 1980s: 02:27-03:19
- Extracurricular activities: 03:19-04:44
- Campus services: 04:44-06:50
- Transportation: 06:50-08:16
- Prices for common goods; historical events: 08:16-09:35
- Entertainment: 09:35-11:12
- Changes in Normal: 11:12-12:12
- Use of tobacco and alcohol: 12:12-14:07
- Campus buildings and boundaries: 14:07-16:59
- Special memories of ISNU: 16:59-19:43
Biographical Statement
Randolph Read Hanback (1914-2001) was born in Bloomington, Illinois to Irwin and Glenna (Read) Hanback. He graduated from Illinois State Normal University in 1935 with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. He and classmate Muriel Campbell married in 1934. Together they had five children, only two of whom survived them. Hanback attended graduate school at University of Illinois and served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He worked as vice president of management information services at State Farm Insurance Company from 1937 to 1979, whereupon he and Muriel retired to San Bernardino, California.
William Ernest Samp (1912-1992) was born to Albert and Adela (Schwantes) Samp in Beloit, Wisconsin. He graduated from Illinois State Normal University in 1935 with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. An accomplished debater and Senior class president, Samp was described by the 1935 Index as having “a high scholastic average” and “belonging to several of the Greek letter organizations.” Samp began his career as a teacher and coach in Rutland, Illinois, then served 6 ½ years as principal of Cerro Gordo High School in Cerro Gordo, Illinois. While there, he met and married grade school teacher Mary A. Crowe; the two would go on to have two children. In 1943, Samp assumed a position in the purchasing department at Caterpillar Tractor Co. and remained with that company until his retirement in 1977.
Recommended Citation
Samp, William Ernest and Hanback, Randolph Read, "Interview with William Samp and Randolph Read Hanback, Class of 1935" (1935). Alumni Oral Histories. 15.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/aoh/15