The Andersen Library Blog

For many Americans, November 11^th has always been the day set aside to honor the nations veterans. However, the date traces its origins back only as far as the end of World War I. November 11^th is the date WWI officially ended in Europe. Many American citizens celebrated the end of the war on November 11, 1918, and the students and citizens of Whitewater were no exception. The fire siren sounded as citizens of all ages ran through the streets sharing the news. By the afternoon, a parade was organized. Whitewater citizens, Normal School students, and even a few veterans of the Civil War, marched down the street making sure to stop and salute any service flag they passed. The celebrations concluded at City Hall, where the community gathered to sing songs and cheer for the Whitewater men who were serving at the time.[1]

One year later, Whitewater again honored its veterans by celebrating the first anniversary of the armistice signed in France, in other words, the first Armistice Day. On campus, a program was held by the campus community where campus leadership honored the Whitewater Normal School students who served in or lost their lives serving in the war.[2] Off campus, the Normal School Glee Club and President Hyer introduced a special speech by Professor S. H. Clark, the associate professor of Public speaking at the University of Chicago. Prof. Clark reminisced on his time overseas, called for continued support and action, and praised the spirit of American soldiers.[3] Sentiments like these evolved into modern celebrations of Veteran’s Day. A day when the service and dedication of America’s armed forces is celebrated and honored. 

[1]  “Peace news Starts Wild Celebration,” Whitewater Register (Whitewater, WI.), Nov.14, 1918.

[2]“Armistice Day Program,” Royal Purple (Whitewater, WI.), Nov.14, 1919

[3] “Audience Thrilled by Prof. Clark’s Address,” Whitewater Register (Whitewater, WI.), Nov. 13, 1919.

In the late fall of 1921, Leonard Sheahan enlisted the help of William Olson, Clark Larkin, and Clyde Jungbluth to start the Whitewater Normal School’s first local fraternity. Together they became the four founding members of Phi Chi Epsilon. Shortly after their initial organization, Phi Chi Epsilon accepted their first two pledges Dwight Warner and Henry Van Duser. By April of 1922, membership in the fraternity had grown to nine and continued to expand steadily.[1] Phi Chi Epsilon is still an active participant of UW-Whitewater’s Greek society and is approaching its 100^th anniversary.

 Today’s chapter of Phi Chi Epsilon is known for its academic excellence and dedication to community service.[2] However, the chapter in the 1920s had a different claim to fame. In true Roaring 20’s fashion, the Phi Chis were notorious for their ability to organize a party. According to the local newspaper, Phi Chi Epsilon not only had good music and refreshments, but they also had the best decorations. For their annual formal in 1925, the Phi Chi brothers created an artificial moon that produced enough light for all 40 couples to dance by.[3] It’s safe to say no one ever left a Phi Chi party disappointed by a lack of creativity.

[1] Epsilonian scrapbook, Phi Chi Epsilon Records – UWW MSS 16, Anderson Library Archives and Area Research, Anderson Library, University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, Whitewater, WI.

[2] “Home,” Phi Chi Epsilon, Accessed February 4, 2021. http://phichiepsilon.weebly.com/.

[3] “Normal School Fraternity Gives Delightful Party,” Whitewater Register (Whitewater, WI.), May 14, 1921.

Fifty years ago this week, the Warhawk class of 1971-1972 celebrated Whitewater’s first homecoming as the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Just one week prior, the Wisconsin State University System officially merged with the University of Wisconsin System, forever changing Whitewater’s identity.[1] However, this momentous change did not affect the student’s enthusiasm. All homecoming activities continued as planned.

The 1971 homecoming week, themed “Poems, Prayers, and Promises,” started with a bang. On Thursday night, students, staff, and community members were treated to a concert performed by rising artist John Denver. Although Denver had not yet gained the popularity attributed to him today, his performance received two standing ovations and rave reviews.[2] In the following week’s paper, Royal Purple writer Ray Shaffer wrote, “Expect greater things from John Denver; you will not be disappointed.”[3] Shaffer proved to be correct.

Homecoming week continued with numerous university traditions and student activities. On Friday, Phi Chi Epsilon won the annual “Yell Like Hell” competition held at the pep rally. Later that day, the Warhawks competed in the yearly Bed Rally. Competitors in the Bed Rally had to race through six checkpoints where they had to complete an activity before they could move on. The activities included rollerblading, bobbing for apples, and even bagging a fish that had been released into the fountain. The Phi Chi Epsilon Fraternity and the Delta Zeta Sorority won the race.[4]

Of course, the 1971 homecoming week’s main event was Saturday’s game against UW – Eau Claire. The game started in Eau Claire’s favor, but the Warhawks managed to catch up before scoring a record-setting field goal (44 yds) in the second half. The game ended with Whitewater claiming victory with a score of 19-14.[5] Some homecoming traditions have change over the past fifty years, but the Warhawk’s enthusiasm and determination for greatness remains strong.

[1] “Senate publishes controversial merger bill; WSU-W officially becomes UW-Whitewater,” Royal Purple (Whitewater, WI.), Oct. 12, 1971.

[2] Ray Shaffer, “Intimate rapport marks John Denver’s concert,” Royal Purple (Whitewater, WI.), Nov. 2, 1971. 

[3] Ray Shaffer, “Intimate rapport marks John Denver’s concert,” Royal Purple (Whitewater, WI.), Nov. 2, 1971. 

[4] “Promises fulfilled with UW-W homecoming ’71,” Royal Purple (Whitewater, WI.), Nov. 2, 1971.

[5] George Geise, “Warhawks erase early deficit, whip Eau Claire,” Royal Purple (Whitewater, WI.), Nov. 2, 1971. 

In 2020, New Mobility magazine ranked UW-Whitewater fifth nationally in wheelchair friendly campuses.[1] This honor reflects more than 50 years of dedication to improving the accessibility of campus for all Whitewater students. Although campus officials were concerned with accessibility before the 1970s, movement towards reform found significant support under the guidance of Chancellor James R. Connor.

On October 7^th, 1974, Chancellor Connor and eleven other campus and community members participated in an Awareness Day activity hosted by the Students of an Accessible Society organization. To participate in this activity, Chancellor Connor completed his daily tasks on campus while using a wheelchair in order to have a better understanding of the struggles faced by the university’s mobility restricted students.[2] The experience identified numerous accessibility problems throughout campus including building access, water fountain height, and restroom layout and design.[3] The identification of these problems immediately sparked actions towards reform. By the week of October 23^rd, public telephones had been lowered, and a new ramp was constructed into Hyer Hall.[4] In November, disabled students found more inclusion in sports and activities with the introduction of wheelchair basketball.[5] Finally, by December, the university was granted a budget of $148,000 dollars to make buildings more accessible.[6]

The program on October 7^th sparked an initial round of reform, but many improvements have enhanced Whitewater’s accessibility in the years since. It is that continued dedication that has allowed UW-Whitewater to become one of the most accessible campuses in the nation.

[1] Craig Schreiner, “UW-Whitewater a top-5 mobility-friendly campus in the nation,” last modified January 21, 2021, https://www.uww.edu/news/archive/2021-01-wheelchair-friendly-campus

[2] Marge Ernst, “Problems roll in Awareness Day,” Royal Purple (Whitewater, WI.) Oct. 9, 1974.

[3] “Experience Not Easy Connor’s Wheelchair,” Whitewater Register (Whitewater, WI.) Oct. 10, 1974.

[4] “Awareness? Yes!” Royal Purple (Whitewater, WI.) Oct. 23, 1974.

[5] “Handicapped eye ‘cage’ fame,” Royal Purple (Whitewater, WI.) Nov. 13, 1974.

[6] Marge Ernst, “Inzeo Relates Energy Idea,” Royal Purple (Whitewater, WI.) Dec. 4, 1974.