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Start Over Date range 2001 Creator Burruss, Margaret Brooks, 1923-2011 Level File

Margaret Brooks Burruss interviewed by Chris Bolgiano

Records the reminiscences of Margaret Brooks Burruss, a graduate of the Madison College class of 1945. Describes her decision to enroll at Madison and her first days on campus. Discusses her involvment in the Sigma Sigma Sigma (Tri Sigma) sorority and briefly mentions other Greek letter societies on campus at that time. Mentions her various roommates and the living conditions in a number of dormitories at the college. Compares the dress codes and rules of conduct for students in her class with those of current JMU undergraduates. Speaks briefly of Madison College President Samuel Duke and Professor John McIlwraith. Relates local reaction to the bombing of Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces on December 7, 1941. Discusses the impact of wartime rationing, as well as the absence of young men, on campus life. Describes various social activities at Madison College, such as May Day, the election of Miss Madison, New Girl/Old Girl Weddings, cotillions and other themed dances. Relates her entry into the field of commercial art upon graduation and her engagement and marriage to Robert Burruss. Discusses briefly her ancestors' experiences during the Civil War, mentioning the battles at Chancellorsville and Port Republic specifically, as well as Union general Phil Sheridan. Briefly mentions former and current Carrier Library Deans Dennis Robison and Ralph Alberico.

  1. James Madison University
  2. JMU Centennial Voices No. 1 oral histories

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