Activities During the War

Service men performing a training exercise on the lawn in front of Pearsons. 

"Retreat on the Main Campus"

The service men at Beloit College were required to go through training programs as part of their war curriculum. Many of these training exercises took place on the lawn in front of Pearsons, as well as on the various other grassy areas around campus. 

A group of service men going over an obstacle during a training exercise. 

"Trusty Busty"

The service men at Beloit College went through many different physical training exercises as part of their preparation for war. In this situation, the service men have to cross over a part of the obstacle course that they called the "Trusty Busty". 

Service men running on the track as part of their training exercises.

Retreat for the 95th

95th College Training Detachment service men running on the track at Strong Stadium during part of their physical training exercises that they were required to do as part of the training department calisthenics. 

Service men going over an obstacle course during a training exercise.

"Scaling the Wall"

The service men were required to go through physical training programs in order to prepare for the war. In this situation, the service men are going through part of the obstacle course as part of their exercises. 

Service men choosing what music to listen to in their free time. 

Music in Their Free Time 

The service men at Beloit College spent most of their time in classes and training exercises. When they did have down time they spent a large portion of it in common spaces with the other students doing activities like listening to music. 

Presidents and secretaries of each of the fraternities on campus having their weekly interfraternity meeting.  

"Interfraternity Council"

A council that looked over all six fraternities. During war time the fraternities adjusted their traditions and rushing processes in order to work with the summer courses being offered as well as the large amount of men who were being called into the military service. This meant changing the length of their "hell week" to just a weekend instead of a week as to not interfere with military trainings. These changes were the only way to keep the fraternities alive during war time due to the lack of male students on campus. 

A variety of different activities were formed for both men and women.

"War Activites" 

During the war, student sold stamps and merchandise during their free time to gain money for the war effort. In 1944, they sold the football that was used in the homecoming game against Lawrence for $5,400 worth in stamp and bond sales. New classes like the Air Raid Warden, surgical dressings, and nutrition were formed. In order to keep some activities alive like the Beloit Relays and intramural sports, servicemen from Camp Grant and Great Lakes were included.