I’m looking here at an old program for St. Olaf’s 52nd founder’s day celebration and dedication of their new music hall. It’s not particularly long, only 3 single pages after the cover, and is discolored from years of wear. Inside are listed several events to celebrate the anniversary, which I’ll touch on later. Looking back from St. Olaf College’s sesquicentennial, which is a fancy word for 150th anniversary, I can’t help but wonder. How big of a deal was 50? Did they have all the same pomp and circumstance which we partake in today? How did Oles get down a century ago? Let’s find out. 

Welcome to Back at St. Olaf. I’m Will Christensen, and these are the stories from the hill.

Transcript and bibliography