By Eric Davis
1940s

The 1940s was a decade that transformed the country. World War II stirred up changes in the U.S. to a point that life would never be the same as it was before the war. NSU saw just as many changes. During WWII, enrollment numbers dropped drastically due to the draft and the fact that women had to step in to take on the roles of their male counterparts in their absence. However, when the war ended and the GI Bill was enacted, enrollment went up just as drastically, not only at NSU, but nationwide.

Surplus military buildings left vacant at nearby Camp Gruber were moved to the campus and served as student housing and classroom buildings for a quarter century (Oklahoma Historical Society).

College was no longer just for the privileged, but for anyone willing to work for it.

In the November 14, 1945 edition of The Northeastern, a headline read “A ‘Welcome Home Veterans’ parade was held Friday, November 9. President John Vaughn gave an address of welcome to returning service men”.

For the remainder of the 40s, life at NSU was very much defined by its social scene. Fraternities often held “smokers” as a form of entertainment and also as part of rush festivities. “Smokers” were parties where everyone got together and smoked cigarettes. At this time in American history, smoking was not taboo, but a very socially acceptable act that at least half of all Americans enjoyed. Cigarettes were even sold in the university bookstore. Another popular form of entertainment was Sadie Hawkins dances. For these dances, it was the responsibility of the female to ask the man out. The popular dance that defined the 40s was the jitterbug. Music was also very much a part of life at this time. Since radio was the only way to broadcast to the masses, it was the key source of entertainment, information and news. Big Band was king during this decade with musicians like Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman. Towards the end of the decade, when music really started to diversify, crooners such as Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, along with jazz singers like Billy Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald gave way to a whole new generation of music.

In the mid-40s, NSU celebrated a milestone of its own. In the May 2, 1946 edition of The Northeastern, the headline read “Seminaries’ Homecoming is May 7, 100th anniversary to be observed”. The story went on to say that “approximately 1200 people are expected to attend the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone for the present Northeastern administration building (present-day Seminary Hall). The first male seminary was constructed similarly to the first female seminary. It was located at Park Hill, near Tahlequah, but the building burned in 1910. A pillar from each of the original seminary buildings was preserved and now stands on the campus”.

As change was imminent, another well-known building at NSU was built during this period and was the beginning of a building boom that would last more than twenty years. The original part of the current library was built in 1948. It is named after the president of the university at that time, John Vaughn.

The 1940s saw the conception of things that today are viewed as an ideal and golden age. From Rosie the Riveter and pin-up girls, to diners and picket fences, there is something romantic about the era that is gone, but hopefully never forgotten.