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