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Description
Oral history interview with Illinois State Normal University alum Eileen (Schumaker) King, Class of 1953. The interview was conducted on October 29, 1983, by Edna Siebert, then a member of the Student Alumni Council.
King recalls a sense of camaraderie and fun among the small student population of ISNU, where everyone knew each other. University President Raymond Fairchild is described as a friendly figure who engaged with students. Notable athletics figures like Clifford “Pop” Horton and Howard Hancock are commended for their dedication to student success. King reminisces about her time as a physical education major, involvement in extracurricular activities such as cheerleading, circus, and drama, and the vibrant social scene characterized by Big Four dances and gatherings at local spots like The Pilgrim and The Cage.
The affordability of education during that era is highlighted, with tuition costing $40 per semester, and abundant teacher scholarships available. King discussed the strict housing regulations for students living in private homes, where curfew hours were enforced. The interview also touches upon the prevalence of tobacco use on campus, with cigarette companies aggressively marketing to college students, and the absence of alcohol in Normal.
King fondly recalls the spirited school environment, successful athletic programs, and the strong sense of school pride, exemplified by packed stadiums and enthusiastic support for the university teams. She also recounts her experience of the coal miners’ strike during the winter of 1950, which left ISNU unable to heat its buildings and classrooms. Students were sent home for three weeks, after which they had to scramble to make up lost instructional time.
The interview concludes with King's advice for current students to enjoy their college experience and avoid procrastination.
Interview Date
10-29-1983
Index
- Introduction: 00:00-01:02
- Notable administrators and faculty: 01:02-03:12
- Path after graduation; comparative difficulty of earning a degree: 03:12-04:32
- Extracurriculars: 04:32-06:18
- Prices: 06:22-07:30
- Bloomington-Normal: 07:30-08:00; 11:40-12:57
- Typical mode of dress: 08:00-08:58
- Coal Miners’ Strike of 1950; Korean War: 08:58-10:36
- Entertainment and socializing: 10:36-10:40
- Sports and school spirit: 12:57-13:54
- Alcohol use: 13:54-14:18
- Housing: 14:18-16:11
- Tobacco use: 16:11-17:23
- Favorite parts of attending ISNU: 17:23-19:08
- Removal of Old Main dome: 19:08-20:01
- Advice for current students: 20:01-20:52
Recommended Citation
King, Eileen Edwina, "Interview with Eileen King, Class of 1953" (1953). Alumni Oral Histories. 30.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/aoh/30