Author Archives: Laurie McFadden

Simpler Speling

Posted on September 1, 2016 by Laurie McFadden

Best known for developing the Dewey Decimal System, Melvil Dewey was also interested in the movement to simplify the spelling of the English language (as evidenced in this letter written to Alfred University president Boothe C. Davis in 1922). Dewey … Continue reading →

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Hannah Simpson Spencer

Posted on August 24, 2016 by Laurie McFadden

Hannah Simpson Spencer (born in 1838) graduated from Alfred University in 1864 and was recently honored by the Kanisteo Valley chapter of the DAR with a “Women in American History Award.” The University Archives recently received the laser-carved wooden plaque … Continue reading →

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Senior Art Shows

Posted on April 29, 2016 by Laurie McFadden

As we near yet another end of the academic year, senior art students are busily preparing for their final public exhibitions. This showing of art is heavily attended and looked forward to by many as a “must attend” event. (This … Continue reading →

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Susan B. Anthony & Alfred

Posted on March 2, 2016 by Laurie McFadden

“To Mrs. A.A. Allen — For the Library’s Reading Room of Alfred University — From her sincere friend & admirer — Susan B. Anthony, Rochester — July 9, 1888” This inscription is found in Anthony’s “History of Woman Suffrage” found … Continue reading →

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Orophilian Lyceum

Posted on February 22, 2016 by Laurie McFadden

This beautiful Seth Thomas clock (patented in 1876) once belonged to the Orophilian Lyceum at Alfred University. Organized in September, 1850, the group was one of four student literary lyceums on campus for over six decades. Each lyceum had a … Continue reading →

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Magic Lantern Slides

Posted on January 18, 2016 by Laurie McFadden

“The delights of travel without its discomforts” — On a cold night in March, 1885 the students of Alfred University and the local community residents gathered in the auditorium in Alumni Hall (then called Chapel Hall) and were treated to … Continue reading →

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Arthur H. Crapsey

Posted on January 5, 2016 by Laurie McFadden

Arthur H. Crapsey, II was a ceramic design major at Alfred University, graduating in 1942. The University Archives recently received a framed charcoal drawing he completed in 1940. Arthur enjoyed creating original stage settings for the university’s performing arts theater … Continue reading →

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Operation Santa Claus

Posted on December 3, 2015 by Laurie McFadden

(Airlift photo courtesy of Wikipedia) In response to a Soviet blockade of land routes into West Berlin following World War II, in June 1948 the United States began a massive airlift to assist the citizens of the besieged city. It … Continue reading →

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