Abstract
“When the Pitchers Were Twenty-Five Cents: Remembrances of Fraternity Life and Beaver
Lore”
July 25, 2014
Location: Valley Library, Oregon State University. Watch Video | Download Transcript (PDF)
In the beginning of the interview, Haynes discusses his upbringing near Tacoma, Washington and his decision to attend Oregon State University, and then provides an overview of his college activities and his later professional career at OSU.
From there, Haynes provides an in-depth look at OSU campus life in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He describes his academic progression as a Physical Education major, and then recalls anti-war protests at OSU and the University of Oregon as well as the military culture at Oregon State. He then notes the Black student walkout, feelings about Vietnam within the OSU Greek system, and reactions to draft numbers among his male colleagues. He likewise discusses the Kent State shootings, the OSU Centennial Parade, visits to OSU by high-profile politicians, the mysterious Black Bag student, and campus concert performances by A-list musical acts.
A major focus of the session is fraternity culture at Oregon State, and in sharing his memories Haynes recalls various early 1970s hangouts around Corvallis, the culture of alcohol among students, IFC Sing, and the changing financial cost of attending school. He also touches upon sexual awareness and education during his undergraduate years, the changing scope of the Greek system, the evolution of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and the importance of community service to fraternities and sororities.
Haynes likewise shares his thoughts on both the long history of faculty advising for student organizations and increasing diversity at OSU. Near the end of the session, he provides additional details about his work for the OSU Foundation and recalls a few memorable interactions with donors. Included throughout the interview as well are a series of stories about prominent Oregon Staters from the past, among them Slats Gill, Wallace Kadderly, William Jasper Kerr, Ralph Miller, Ava Helen Pauling, and Dar Reese.