As soon as I set foot on Vanderbilt’s campus, I knew immediately the school was filled with a rich history. I had to know more. I rummaged through countless rolls of microfilm of Vanderbilt’s student newspaper, The Vanderbilt Hustler, which go as far back as 1888. I found out so much about Vanderbilt’s past, and I couldn’t wait to share my findings with you. Welcome to Vandy Rewind!
I started with the year 1929 because not only was it exactly 90 years ago, but also the first year of the Great Depression.
“Welcome Freshmen!”
So, move-in day 2019 was a hassle in this crazy Tennessee summer heat! I know everyone was wishing they could have avoided it. In 1929, Vanderbilt freshmen moved in on Sept. 27, which must have been awesome! Not only was it probably cooler, but they also had an extra month of summer.
“Vandy Boys”
I was so happy to see the Vandy Boys, Vanderbilt’s baseball team, win their second College World Series Championship this summer! I laughed when I read that 90 years ago, the Vandy Boys were ranked on the “tail end of the division.” It only took 85 years to win our first one in 2014, but we made it!
“Co-eds”
I noticed that the 1929 copy of The Hustler contained a section called “Co-eds.” It focused on the female students on campus. I had no idea women were called “co-eds,” becauseI originally thought the paper was referring to coeducational dorms. I also found a gossip column called “Hellenistic Tea,” where I read all of the “tea” about campus of the late 1920s. The author talked about “backstabbing” and “bloodthirsty girls.” Spill the tea, sis!
Source: Vanderbilt University Archives