Category Archives: Student Life

Orophilian Lyceum

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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Veterans Day

On November 11th we take a moment to thank our veterans for their dedicated service to our country. This photo shows members of the Army Specialized Training Program chatting with some of the women students in the fall, 1943. The … Continue reading

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Who's Hungry?

This breakfast menu, dated at 1925, shows the meal offerings available to passengers as they traveled to Alfred University by train on the Erie Railroad. It contains familiar items such as Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, and coffee (check … Continue reading

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Dancing Prohibited

It’s a safe bet that current Alfred University students are happy this resolution addressing “evil tendencies” is no longer in place!

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Erie Railroad

The Erie Railroad, opened in 1851, played an important part in the life of mid-19th through mid-20th century people in Western New York. For Alfred farmers, it meant that agricultural goods could be shipped and sold more broadly. For the … Continue reading

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Women's Athletics

Women’s athletics at Alfred University has a long and interesting history. Long before Title IX mandated athletic opportunities for females, Alfred University encouraged, and sometimes mandated, participation by its women students in some sort of physical activity. The early college … Continue reading

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Daily Schedule

In 1926, Alfred University student Carl Schwenk filled out this form detailing his daily routine. How different from a student today! No time spent online, playing video games, or watching television. No driving to town for movies, eating out, or … Continue reading

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Erin Go Bragh

Thousands of alumni have fond memories of St. Patrick’s Day at Alfred University. What began in 1933 as a way to promote the ceramic engineering program quickly grew into a university-wide festival and celebration: parades with elaborate floats, unique ceramic … Continue reading

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Davis Gym

Davis Gym, a long-time fixture on the Alfred University campus, will shortly be just a memory for thousands of alumni who have fond recollections of events, shows, athletic contests, etc. that took place within its walls. The photo above on … Continue reading

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The Umbrella Tree

The “Umbrella Tree” is a beloved landmark on the Alfred University campus. Frequently it’s a temporary home to students nestled in its branches or artwork hanging from its limbs. Found in front of the Powell Campus Center it was planted … Continue reading

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