Lawrence University

TIME AND TRADITIONS: 1940s


The war makes its mark on Lawrence: there is a shortage of men on campus, an abundance of
uniforms on those men who remain, military drills, and the construction of barracks and Quonset huts.

Men shortage spoof from The Ariel



WWII Good Ship Brokaw

Lawrence's Brokaw Hall, a men's dormitory, is used as a U.S. naval training facility. Officially known as the Good Ship Brokaw, it houses 150 sailors and V-12 administrative offices. Sailors swab the "decks" daily and "go ashore" onto the campus to attend classes for two years. Many return to Lawrence as civilians to complete their education after the war.

1940s "Go, Lawrence, Go"

Lawrence students send a burning raft
down the Fox River at Homecoming
while they sing "Go, Lawrence, Go,"
written by renowned band leader Fred
Waring. The gala weekend includes
house/dorm decorations, a parade, a
football game, coronation of a queen,
and a dance. The tradition continues
until the mid-1950s.

1940s Frat quad constructed

Fraternity houses are built on the Lawrence campus.


1941 Maxie

Maxie, a cocker spaniel pup, follows his master, Charles Kliefoth, to the Lawrence campus. When Kliefoth graduates, Maxie stays on, adopting a new master each year. Maxie becomes the official campus mascot, and is the subject of numerous feature articles in Wisconsin newspapers. A polite student, Maxie dozes at his master's feet during lectures. When Maxie passes away in 1952, Beta Theta Pi fraternity gives him a proper burial next to The Rock.

1944 Pusey's legacy

Lawrence President Nathan Pusey develops the Freshman Studies program, which today remains a distinct expression of Lawrence's commitment to the examination of ideas of abiding importance. Freshman participate in a common course that provides them with learning opportunities centered on reading, writing, and discussion in small classes. Pusey leaves Lawrence in 1953 to become the president of Harvard University.

1944 The Wright stuff

Architect Frank Lloyd Wright visits campus, expressing firm opinions during a convocation, a luncheon, an architecture class, and an informal discussion with students. He calls the quad buildings "appropriate to Lawrence College," but objects to their formal colonial design and their surface ornamentation.


1947 100 candles

Lawrence celebrates its 100th birthday with an anniversary dinner, convocation, and special celebrations at commencement and reunion.

Stephenson Science Hall, built in 1899, is remodeled in 1948.



Crowning of the May Queen

On to the 1950s
Milwaukee-Downer in the 1940s

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