It’s time for spring cleaning!

Every time I look at this 1964 photograph from the Martin’s Photo Shop Collection, I have to chuckle. I just love that three women are working hard dusting, mopping or sweeping, while one woman stands with her one hand on her hip and her other hand resting on a table! These young ladies are members of Zeta Tau Alpha and they are busy cleaning their sorority suite at Indiana State University.

The photo above shows some industrious young women of the Chi Omega sorority polishing their many trophies. This 1963 photo is also part of the Martin’s Photo Shop Collection.

The Martin Collection is housed in the Indiana State University Archives at Cunningham Memorial Library.

Now that you’ve read this, go clean out a closet!

Who doesn’t love a marching band?

The Indiana State University Archives houses some fun photographs of the university’s marching bands throughout the years. In this circa 1942 photo, members of the marching band line up in preparation for a homecoming parade.

Like the U.S. Postal Service, a little rain doesn’t keep a marching band from participating in a parade! In this 1962 image parade watchers hold umbrellas and support the women and men musicians as they march down Wabash Avenue in Terre Haute, Indiana.

And doesn’t this percussion group look smart in their uniforms? This photo was taken in 1964.

All three images are from the Martin’s Photo Shop collection that is housed in the university’s archives. For more marching band images, click here.

Are you ready for your staff Christmas party?

It’s nearly Christmas and that means there are parties to attend, good food to eat, and people to renew acquaintances with. In this 1942 photograph students at the Indiana State Teachers College, now known as Indiana State University, kick up their heels during their Christmas Sophomore Dance. And, yes, those are suckers in their mouths!

Twenty years later, this group of Indiana State College, now University, students decorates a hall on campus for the annual Christmas ball.

Both of these Martin’s Photo Shop images are part of Indiana State University Archives.

Hut, hut, hike!

Ah, there’s a crispness in the air. That must mean it’s football season! This 1953 photo from the Indiana State University Archives shows the Sycamores getting ready for another season. Speaking of another season, check out this year’s ISU gridiron schedule.

This old photograph is from the Martin’s Photo Shop collection. This photo shop was once located in Terre Haute, Ind.

Hungering for some more old football photos? Don’t despair, there are definitely lots more!

It’s back to school time!

Soon, students of all ages will be returning to school — hitting the books and getting back into a routine. The sweet days of summer are quickly coming to an end.

This fantastic photograph at right shows three young women with their luggage returning to school at what is now known as Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Ind. This photograph is from the Martin’s Photo Shop collection. Martin’s Photo Shop was once located in downtown Terre Haute on Wabash Avenue from 1906 to 1976.

The photograph shows Eiko Nishimura, Carolyn Huntington and Beverly Lebo. Learn more about this image.

The photo is part of the collection of the Indiana State University Archives.

College life 1939 style

Ah, the joys of college dormitory life! This 1939 photograph shows a women’s dormitory room on the campus of Indiana State Teachers College, now known as Indiana State University. Taken by a photographer at Martin’s Photo Shop, this image was probably used in recruiting tools. And just like students today, there always has to be one student who is constantly preening herself! To view this photograph more closely, click here.

This photograph is just one of the many holdings of the Indiana State University Archives, 650 Eagle Street in Terre Haute. To view more images from the ISU Archives, click here.

Boo! Did I scare you?

“One of the most enjoyable affairs of the term was a Halloween party at the house of Miss Gertrude McComb, 1410 South Third street, on Oct. 13. The early part of the evening was spent in music and story telling. At 10:00 o’clock the guests were seated in the dining room. The place cards were hand painted and the names of the guests were written backward. On the opposite side of the card was a verse, which told where the fortune of each person was hidden in the house. Lighted green candles were placed on each plate and over the flame marshmallows were toasted.”

This was the description of Halloween 1914 style. The entry was recorded in the October 1914 issue of “The Normal Advance,” a magazine “devoted to the interests of the Indiana State Normal School” in Terre Haute, Ind. This monthly journal was written and published by students and faculty. Today, these journals are housed in the Indiana State University Archives, 650 Eagle Street.

To read more about this particular Halloween party, click here. To find other Halloween stories on WV3, click here.