Outrageous Ambitions: How a One-Room Schoolhouse Became a Research University

1951 Dorm Scene

This photograph was taken in a dorm at the Woman's College in 1951.

Kappa Delta Rush Jumper

Greek life has existed at Duke since Trinity College was located in Randolph County.  Here, we have a hand-sewn rush uniform from around 1958 from alumna Dorothy Newsom Rankin.  Students interested in joining a sorority sewed jumpers and wore them during rush.

Sorority Rolling Pin (full)

This rolling pin is a relic of sorority rush, from the 1930s. Some of the signatures on the rolling pin are from members of the class of 1933.

Sorority Rolling Pin (detail 1)

This rolling pin is a relic of sorority rush, from the 1930s. Some of the signatures on the rolling pin are from members of the class of 1933.

Cabin Party, 1940s

During the mid-20^th century, students—particularly female students—were strictly monitored at Duke.  There were restrictions on when and with whom students could venture off-campus.  One way that students circumvented authority was by having “cabin parties” in abandoned cabins in the Duke Forest.  This cabin party was held in the 1940s.

West Campus Union Dining Hall, 1970s

There have been many changes in student life over the years, but two things have remained constant as long as Trinity has been in Durham: dorms and dining halls.  This photograph was taken in the West Campus Union Dining Hall in the 1970s.

Krzyzewskiville, 1986

Krzyzewskiville—a tradition that continues today—began in 1986 when students from Mirecourt decided that they did not want to stand in line in order to get tickets to the Duke-UNC basketball game.  They pitched tents in front of Cameron Indoor Stadium and camped out until game time.