Parsons and Jones, conversation 1

Abstract:

I started our conversation with a general inquiry about why we both chose HSC, since he had also applied to Macon and Wake Forest. Then we pivoted to our love of the college and its unique history. One thing I remember is him showing me a picture of a train car with "Hampden-Sydney College" on it, then a postcard of the SS Hampden-Sydney Liberty Ship. Since he was also an alum from the bicentennial, I wanted to ask him about what it was like being a student then, as the times have changed; he mentioned several differences, such as Hardee's being the only fast food in town, and there being a drive-in movie theater where the Wawa is today. We continued discussing the college's history, specifically the first female and Black professors on campus, including one who was a mathematics professor. It was interesting that he remembers both of the first women professors and that the first to be a professor was not the first to be tenured. We then shifted to how the campus has changed, notably the loss of Bagby and the fact that buildings like Graham Hall and Maples had two entirely different uses. It was very interesting to hear stories from a time on campus that was so different from what it's like now, and to hear how it will change when I am his age during the tri-centennial.

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