The 1960s marked a period of significant physical growth for Elizabethtown College. Not only did the College purchase more than 38 acres of land, but in 1963, the campus nearly doubled in size following a generous gift from Dr. Troy M. Thompson and his wife, Elsie S. Thompson. A long-time physician for the Athletic Department, Dr. Thompson deeded his 110-acre farm to Etown on part of the land that would later become Thompson Gymnasium.

Student enrollment grew as well, surpassing 1,000 students for the first time in 1963. Three residence halls were dedicated during the decade that still stand: Brinser, Schlosser, and Royer Halls. Student life took off after the dedication of the Baugher Student Center in 1962, with the new campus hub adjoining the Alumni Gymnasium and featuring three bowling lanes, a swimming pool, a large snack bar, a bookstore, and a post office. On the academic side, Esbenshade Hall and Zug Memorial Library also were dedicated during the 1960s.

Students were not immune to the heightened political tension in America due to the Vietnam War, with Blue Jays holding “Project Vietnam” in 1967, an open forum with presentations from supporters and objectors of the war. Through the division across the nation, Etown students remained committed to the College’s Educate for Service motto. A new campus service group dedicated to tutoring elementary and secondary school students sprung up with 60 members and in 1964, members of the Elizabethtown College Christian Association (ECCA) created programs for teenagers in the Harrisburg area.

A Look Through the Decade 

1960 – The College inaugurates its first foreign exchange program, with student Sylvia Hixon attending the Jugenheim Institute in Germany.

1961 – Ober Hall is officially named in honor of Henry Kulp Ober, who served as president of the College from 1918-21 and 1924-28.

1961 – The Etown Field Hockey team goes undefeated, not allowing a single goal throughout the season.

1962 – Royer Hall is dedicated on Oct. 20. The space is named after B. Mary Royer, a 1921 graduate who served as a missionary to India.

1962 – The Baugher Student Center is dedicated on Nov. 18, named after former president A.C. Baugher.

1965 – Zug Memorial Library is dedicated on Oct. 15, named after one of the Etown’s founders, Samuel R. Zug.

1965 – Brinser Residence Hall is dedicated on Oct. 16. The building was made possible after a large donation from David E. ‘58 and Sadie M. Brinser.

1966 – Schlosser Residence is dedicated on Oct. 22. The building is named in honor of Ralph Wiest Schlosser, who dedicated 60 years of service to Etown as a student, professor, and president.

1967 – Esbenshade Hall is dedicated on Jan. 15, named in honor of Elmer L. Esbenshade, a local philanthropist who donated money for the building in memorial to his wife, Frances E. Esbenshade.

1967 – The Board of Trustees votes to transform Alpha Hall, the first building constructed on campus, from a residence hall into an administration building on June 6.

1968 – The College breaks ground for Thompson Gymnasium on Sept. 17.

Snapshots of the Decade 

 

Throughout Elizabethtown College’s 125th anniversary year, follow along as we share 125 compelling stories about the College’s defining moments, alumni stories, and fun facts since our founding in 1899 at etown.edu.