Are We Really This Old?
Written by Katie Earle Owen Morgan
President, Class of 1946
for the 50th Class Reunion in March 1996
Off to college at age sixteen—
didn’t know much what to do,
but remember that things were different
in 1942.
No computer chips or fast food chains,
few cars, no television—
how we entertained ourselves
was strictly our decision.
But at ECTC
when we arrived,
No time did we ever
feel deprived.
For our boys on campus
‘twas the “land of plenty.”
Girls outnumbered them
by a thousand to twenty.
Though the boys all had a heyday,
we girls, too, got our chances.
We met the cutest of Marines
at Saturday night girl-break dances.
The dip and the jitterbug
were both quite the thing.
I remember Doug Jones
was our jitterbug king.
To the Wright building after dinner—
that’s where we’d always go.
We’d dance with our friends to the juke box,
and we’d stay for an hour or so.
We gathered outside the dining hall
and enjoyed Camille each night
playing “Kitten on the Keys” and other tunes,
so much to our delight.
We had mandatory meals
and family style eating—
the same table each day
with pre-assigned seating.
Saturday night’s treat was hot cross buns,
with steak for lunch on Sunday.
We at bag suppers on Sunday nights,
but it was back to beans on Monday.
When term papers were finished
and studying all through,
hanging out at the Y Store
was the fun thing to do.
With cigarettes and cream puffs,
cinnamon buns and cokes,
we drank and ate ‘til very late
while telling shady jokes.
We feared those “call to office”
in the corner of Cotton Hall,
for Annie L. with piercing eyes
stood lean, severe and tall.
Her hair was pulled back tightly
to a wretched ball behind.
Her love of rule enforcement
was beyond our stretch of mind.
She had a dog named Mr. Beans
who stuck close by her side.
He was her joy; we were her pain,
a truth she could not hide.
There were date slips and dorm room checks,
sign in and sign out sheets,
plus curfew at 10:30
to keep us off the streets.
While strolling down the campus
one day I heard a yell,
“Oh Lordy, do protect me!
for here comes Annie L.”
Chief Williams kept us safe at night.
He was our friend as well—
occasionally we would come in late,
be we knew he’d never tell.
It was Marguerite Austin and Mr. Deal
we sought out for advice.
They were deeply concerned and kind to us—
always ultra nice.
Athletics had Coach Johnson.
May Court had its queen.
The Chi Pi Players quite often
featured Bill and Virginia Green.
Our saddle oxfords and bobby socks
along with an argyle sweater
were very fashionable, and to be in vogue,
who could ask for anything better?!
Old Towne Inn and Kares
were landmarks of the day.
We’d gladly bring them back once more
if we could have our say.
We love our alma mater—
it’s important we keep in touch
and support the institution
that has given us so much.
It’s been fifty years
of purple and gold!
And I ask you, my friends,
are we really this old?
Now we hope this rare occasion
and memories of the past
will bring you smiles and happiness
that through the years will last.