This week’s From The Archives looks back on various moments from the 1960s. 1966’s incoming fraternity pledge classes were instructed on how to pick the best fraternity for them. Music such as that of Carolyn Hester and the Ramblers in 1961 and Neil Diamond and Jackie Wilson in 1966 captivated University audiences. Remembering student riots in 1960 and explaining Founder’s Day protests and its celebratory dinners illuminated student action and opinion. Throughout the ‘60s, University students reflected on memories and moments that marked their U.V.a experience.
March 21, 1961
“Carolyn Hester And ‘Ramblers’ Captivate Lovers Of Folk Music”
By Malcolm and Tucker Scully
Acclaimed musicians Carolyn Hester and the New Lost City Ramblers brought folk music to the University. Packing seats in Old Cabell Hall, Hester and the Ramblers sang songs ranging from traditional Irish tunes to more contemporary and modern day blue grass. The performance sprinkled in unfiltered themes of politics and comedy throughout the show, capturing the embodiment of what it means to be “folk.”
Sept. 1, 1966
“The Big Question: To Pledge Or Not To Pledge?”
By unlisted author
Photos by unlisted photographer
To pledge or not to pledge? This ‘60s article details the importance and intensity that men at the University experience when it comes to making the decision to join a fraternity. The authors list a step-by-step guide on how to rush a particular fraternity, and the behavior that is acceptable throughout the process.
April, 8 1960
“Monticello Dinner To Honor Stevenson”
By D. D. Hall
The directors of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation kicked off a three-day long celebration for the University founder’s birthday. After 217 years, this commemoration featured notable faces relevant to U.Va. such as then-University President Edgar Shannon, a member of the Board of Visitors, members of the Jefferson Foundation board and seven graduate recipients of Thomas Jefferson Foundation fellowships.
Jan. 9, 1968
“Neil Diamond, Jackie Wilson To Perform”
By unlisted author
Photos by unlisted photographer
Neil Diamond and Jackie Wilson, two popular singer-songwriters, graced the University with a pre-exams performance in 1968. Tickets sold for a price of $3 in both Newcomb Hall and Mincers, and the Circle K Club sponsored the event.
April 15, 1969
“Coalition Rally Sparks Procession Picketing”
By Pete Shea
Photos by Bob Gill
Explicitly ignoring a statement forbidding the use of signs or pickets in their protest during the Founder’s Day procession, students involved with the civil-rights-oriented group, the Coalition, carried signs with writings such as “Flounder’s Day.” The protest’s guest speaker, Maurice Dawkins, urged participants to commit themselves to ending racism in America, asking them to continue sharing the hope that all men can “work and walk together.”
Nov. 17, 1960
“Shooting Incident Remembered”
By Richard Tilghman
In November of 1840, Law Prof. John A. G. Davis was shot and killed by a masked student participating in a violent celebration. The students were celebrating the anniversary of a 1836 riot protesting a University policy that prohibited students from carrying firearms. Joseph E. Simmes was charged with the murder, with a student testifying that he heard Simmes saying he would “shoot the first faculty member trying to remove his mask.” Simmes was granted a $25,000 bail, but did not appear for trial, and died soon after in Texas.
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