This week’s From the Archives looks at the student perspective of Punxsutawney Phil’s predictions and snowstorms on Grounds. From celebrations of the Midwinters Festivals to tampering with thermostats, the winter season brings both eventful and regretful experiences for all. Together, these stories capture how students have long found ways to embrace, endure and occasionally rebel against the coldest months of the academic year.
1950s
Feb. 10, 1950
“Midwinters Get Start Tonite at 10”
Author unlisted
A number of events preceded the annual Midwinters Dance, a formal occasion held in Memorial Gymnasium, including wrestling and basketball matches and an afternoon concert. Headlining the dance were Rex Beneke and the Glenn Miller Orchestra, beginning at 10 p.m. and performing a special dance number at 11:30 p.m.
1960s
Feb. 3, 1966
“YOO HOO! MR. GROUNDHOG!”
Author unlisted
Photos by Bush
Waiting for the Virginia winter to come to an end, students gather around to celebrate the arrival of Punxsutawney Phil. Mocking the validity behind the holiday, students turned to weather channels while still hoping for a bright and early spring.
1970s
Feb. 8, 1979
“Snow brings half holiday”
By Seth Tandlich
Photos by Ariana Bracalente
In response to the first six-inch snowstorm of 1979, University President Frank L. Hereford Jr. announced a half-day, cancelling classes after 2:30pm. While the snowfall made travel difficult for some, others embraced it with one student saying the snow is “good for the soul.”
1980s
Feb. 2, 1981
“How much do thermostats know?”
By Martin Altschull
Photos by Tim Dowling
In honor of Energy Awareness Week, the University’s Energy Conservation Committee wrote numerous articles advertising for students to conserve energy to prepare for winter storms. Asking students to dress accordingly, not tamper with thermostats and learn more about AC units, the Committee wanted to limit energy costs while keeping students safe and warm.
1990s
Feb. 2, 1996
“Michaels thinks globally, locally”
By Robin Pinnel
Photos by Patrick Michaels and Steve Finnie
Patrick Michaels, Virginia’s state climatologist and University associate professor of environmental science research, spoke to a University audience explaining the connection between the recent Blizzard of 1996 and climate change. As a well-renowned climatologist and speaker, Michaels travelled to countries such as New Zealand to discuss his research and educate the public about the effects of climate change.
2000s
Feb. 2, 2000
“Virginians lightweights when it comes to heavy-duty cold”
By Diya Gullapalli
Photos by Dave Werner
With a snowstorm making “headlines bigger than Watergate,” the “Southern tootsies” of the University learn how to bundle up and prepare for wintery classes. Reminding readers that “it’s only a little snow,” the writer states that students should never panic in the face of a winter wonderland in Charlottesville.
Read More
From the Archives: Fanfare, Cavalier feats and failures
By Maisy Callahan and Cece Sherman | January 27, 2026From ice hockey to wrestling, Virginia sports reporting captures both the excitement of the game and the unbeatable dedication of the student body.
From the Archives: Rousing and Evocative Headlines
By Annabelle Nee | January 22, 2026This week’s From the Archives looks at strange, provocative or misleading headlines published in The Cavalier Daily over the years.
Archivist Report on the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship
By Tori Vonderheid | December 27, 2025Archivist Tori Vonderheid compiles The Cavalier Daily's coverage on the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship
