Oral history by James Griner, Class of 1964

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Description

Oral history account by Illinois State Normal University alum James Griner, Class of 1964, given in 1979. Griner begins by reminiscing about his transition from “the cornfield canyons of Middle America” to college life, describing it as a humbling experience. He notes that there were three to four times as many female to male students at ISU in 1960, a fact he attributes to the university’s roots as a teacher training college.

Griner shares anecdotes about his involvement with the Blackfriars, a student group akin to a fraternity, detailing their activities, traditions, and close-knit community. He reminisces about the camaraderie, pranks, and memorable experiences shared with fellow Blackfriars, highlighting their unique role on campus.

He discusses the influential faculty members who left a lasting impact on his academic journey, such as Ken Ledbetter, Lucy Tasher, and Bill Legge and recalls pivotal moments in campus history, including the removal of the word “Normal” from the university’s name in 1964. Griner also reflects on campus traditions like homecoming festivities and the significance of cars as status symbols among students.

Griner provides insights into the social scene of the era, discussing popular music, entertainment venues, and recreational activities enjoyed by students. He touches upon the changing societal norms and attitudes towards alcohol consumption, highlighting the emergence of “happy hours.” Many male students, in his estimation, studied just enough to stay in school and avoid being drafted into another potential world conflict.

Interview Date

1979

Index

  • Griner’s arrival at ISU: 00:00-01:37
  • Student gender ratio: 01:37-02:50
  • Blackfriars: 02:50-07:09; 23:27-24:58
  • Notable faculty: 07:09-10:29
  • President Robert Bone; “conservative paternalism” of the university: 10:29-12:14
  • Homecoming celebrations: 12:14-13:32
  • Football games against Illinois Wesleyan University: 13:32-14:49
  • Working at Phil’s Pizza: 14:49-16:53
  • Cars as status symbols: 16:53-18:02
  • Music, socializing, and drinking: 18:02-19:55
  • Studying; movies at Capen Auditorium: 19:55-23:27
  • Conclusion: 24:58-26:28

Biographical Statement

James “Jim” Crawford Griner (1942-2019) was born to Ronald Reed and Louise (Baker) in Danville, Illinois. He graduated from Illinois State University in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in social sciences. While at student at ISNU/ISU he was a member of the Blackfriars fraternity and the Student Psychology Association. His final year he also served on the Class Advisory Board. Griner married Jean Camp in 1964; together they would go on to have two children.

After finishing his undergraduate degree, Griner took a teaching position at Glenbrook North High School in Northbrook, Illinois. In 1967 he began teaching at East Peoria High School. Soon after completing his master’s degree in education in 1972 Griner became a principal in the Brimfield, Illinois school system, a position he held until 1990.

A Yamaha motorcycle aficionado, Griner is credited with two inventions for motor vehicles by Who’s Who in the Midwest (1996 edition). He founded the Yamaha 650 Society in 1978 and served as publisher for both the Yamaha 650 Society newsletter and Motorcycle Riders’ Digest. Griner died in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania at the age of 76.

Oral history by James Griner, Class of 1964

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