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Through the years Remembering the big events in JMU history
1922
The Breeze sends its first issue to print Dec. 2. This issue was four pages long with four columns and had no pictures or graphics, according to a JMU historical timeline. It cost $0.10 per copy for the paper, or $1 for a year’s subscription. The Breeze was named by English teacher Elizabeth P. Cleveland, who wrote in her proposal that she was inspired by the “mountain breeze.” The paper was almost named The Campus Cat, but a coin toss went in Cleveland’s favor. She was awarded $2.
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1924
After being called the State Normal School for Women since 1914, the name was changed to State Teachers College at Harrisonburg to “better reflect the higher educational nature of the institution which had already emerged,” according to the timeline. In an issue of The Breeze in 1924, the journalist wrote, “This school has been based upon the standards of a college for several years, and all that was needed was the name.”
1938
Another name change — the State Teachers College at Harrisonburg became Madison College, after the fourth president of the U.S., James Madison.
1941
In May, the student body demanded “a broadening of privileges,” including eased restrictions on dating, interacting with men and the freedom from wearing stockings, according to the historical timeline. During this “May Revolt,” the students threatened a sit-in, a hunger strike, a class boycott and a march on Hillcrest. The threatened actions didn’t actually occur, but it got the students what they wanted.
1943
The Breeze’s name was almost changed. Students chose between The Madisonian, MadCap or no name change at all. A majority voted to change the name to The Madisonian, but it was rejected by faculty because they feared it was too “hasty” and would later be regretted. They also argued that the constant use of “Madison” would “cheapen the school’s name,” according to the historical timeline.
By ASHLEE THOMPSON The Breeze
The Breeze has been JMU’s official student-run newspaper for 100 years. Since its first issue on Dec. 2, 1922, The Breeze’s mission has been to provide the JMU community with news and important information. From college name changes to the construction of new buildings, here are some of the biggest moments The Breeze has chronicled at JMU since 1922.
CONTACT Ashlee Thompson at thomp6ab@dukes.jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on Twitter @BreezeNewsJMU.
1923
JMU’s infamous “Kissing Rock” was unearthed in the fall of 1923. In efforts to “beautify the campus,” the land in front of Alumnae and Sheldon Halls was graded down four or five feet, where it’s believed the Rock was unearthed. Plans to remove the Rock were canceled and it now serves as a JMU landmark, featured prominently in many photographs.
1930
Over 500 people attended the cornerstone laying ceremony for Wilson Hall. The ceremony had parades, musical performances and an address given by the then-president Samuel Duke. Wilson Hall opened in 1931 and is now one of JMU’s most-known buildings on campus.
1939
The first sororities, Sigma Sigma Sigma and Alpha Sigma Alpha, are established after decades of being looked down upon due to the strict nature of the all-girls college. Also in 1939, Madison Memorial Library — later renamed Carrier Library — was completed, according to the historical timeline.
1946
Until Sep.16, 1946, Madison College had been an all-women’s college. This changed when returning World War II veterans were guaranteed a college education under the G.I. Bill. As explained in the historical timeline, Virginia schools faced an overwhelming influx of enrollments, so Madison College opened its doors to men. Previously, men were only allowed to enroll for summer sessions.
1947
1947 was a big year for the institution. Fraternities were introduced to Madison College, starting with Sigma Delta Rho. 1947 also saw the introduction of a semesterbased school year, instead of the quarters system the school had been using since its opening. In the fall, football came to campus. Five touch football teams were formed, all sponsored by a different sorority.
