Students on Purington Hall Steps, 1917
Mantor Library at UMF
Farmington Normal students were encouraged to be active and to engage with the world around them. After becoming principal in 1909, Wilbert G. Mallett continued the practice of assigning mottoes in the classroom to reinforce moral standards. He also encouraged extracurricular activities that promoted a virtuous and healthy lifestyle. Students were required to attend Daily Chapel and expected to participate in group activities for personal and social enrichment.
Normal students could join the Christian Association, explore the outdoors as a Camp Fire Girl, play basketball on a class team, sing in the glee club, or perform with the school’s dramatics society. “Sociables” and holiday masquerades gave students a chance to sing, dance and make friends. During World War I, students contributed time and talents to fundraising for the Red Cross, marched in patriotic parades, and prepared care packages for soldiers.
When not participating in extracurricular activities offered by the college, some students enjoyed the fresh air out on the steps of Purington Hall. More adventurous students made their way to the portico roof of the dormitory (accessible through a few of the second floor windows) and were rewarded with a scenic view over the town. The local train station also attracted a few daring souls seeking a “free ride” on the Sandy River line.
Students explored beyond campus on foot, on horseback or – when the opportunity presented – by horse and carriage. Long walks to the Nordica Homestead and trips to Craigs Ledge, the local slate quarry and Clearwater Pond for picnics were popular pastimes.
In addition to their final academic recitations, students celebrated their graduation from Farmington Normal School with an Arbor Day procession and ivy planting on campus and a Class Day at Clearwater Pond.
Sources: Class of 1918 photo album; Admissions Record Book, 1891-1928, Farmington State Normal School; Attendance Record Book, 1911-1922, Farmington State Normal School; Farmington Normal, 1917; Alumni records, Class of 1918.
