the proper thing to raid the farmers around the country in gen eral, and the creamery, in particular, paint the barns and fences for miles around, and have class bears. Now these things are incidents of the past, subjects to be treasured up and related as “good stories.” Looking back over that time, it is a source of wonderment how the accomplishment of such a remarkable trans formation came about. To what influence has it been due ? As a matter of fact, it can not be traced to any one source in particular, but to the steady growth of the college, and the larger and broader influence which would naturally come to bear from such expansion. Four years ago the college numbered about 400 students. Since that time the enrollment has been almost doubled. It is but natural that with such a comparatively rapid growth greater influence should have been brought to bear. The result is that instead of being regarded as a “tough” place, State College is today one of the best and most favorably known institutions in Pennsylvania. One of the most remarkable evolutions due to the growth has been the change in the attitude of the students towards the Y. M. C. A. During the benighted period, this organization was the laughing stock of the school. Although the majority of them had been members of their home associations, the best men when they came here did not care to join, hence it became a congregation of “goody-goodies.” But today what a wonderful change has taken place! The Y. M. C. A. is the most honored organization here. The influence of the sejretary, Mr. J. R. Woodcock, since his advent, has been most marked. To those who have not cared to look into the situation his world is not very apparent, but to those acquainted with the difficulties he has had to overcome, the results of Mr. Woodcock's labors have been very noticeable For some time previous the well-wishers of the organization had felt that the situation required a man who could give the most of his time and attention to the association. By working harcl they succeeded in getting Mr. Woodcock. Although endeavoring to build up the association by thorough
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers