Growth in the late 1950's necessitated adding facilities. The greatest need was that of dormitories. In 1957, the college purchased old barracks from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, transported them to the College, and then set them in place, renovating them into what is now the old section of Faith Hall. executive responsibilities until a new president could be found. During the weeks in which the faculty and administration were so unsettled, the economic position of the college continued to deteriorate. Board Chairman Milner projected that the '53– 54 school year would end with a shortage of from $35,000 to $45,000. He expressed his willingness to advance $15,000 of his own to help strengthen the college position with the bank, "contingent upon a real effort (by the Board) to raise the balance."25 The trustees accepted Milner's offer of a loan to see them through this crisis time. While the trustees, administrators, and faculty were dealing with the leadership crisis, the students were adjusting to life on their new campus. All the girls lived in a remodeled army barracks that had been donated to the college by the federal government in 1948. Shortly after classes began in September, the coeds received an unanticipated reception to Greene County. A crew of Antioch men "raided" the women's residence, hurling a cement block through the dormitory door and creating a deafening din. The housemother called the police and the rowdies fled, but the girls spent the night huddled in little groups in case their "welcoming committee" returned. In that first year, the faculty and student body were a closely-knit family: "We all helped plan every activity, and that included faculty and students. Because there were so few of us we never thought of doing any activity with just a select few."26 In the spring everyone - faculty and students alike - went to work washing windows, scrubbing floors, and cleaning the grounds to make their campus attractive. When they began work on their yearbook, it was named The Miracle because it was believed that "was exactly what God had done for us by giving us this wonderful school."27 Each table in the cafeteria was set for six students that first year, and the meals were all served "family style." Each week someone was assigned the task of bringing the food to the table, and someone else was in charge of cleanup. When the food was in place and the students were gathered, everyone stood behind his chair until grace was given. On one particular occasion, a young man delayed the blessing by his repeated sneezing. Some have claimed he sneezed 37 consecutive times, but the student body was laughing so heartily it is difficult to imagine anyone maintaining self– control well enough to get an accurate count! To supplement their cafeteria food, the students prevailed upon the dean and the professors to provide a snack shop. After much pleading a small area in the basement of the Administration Building was provided. The spot assigned was close to the mail boxes.so students were able to munch donuts and drink milk while chatting and checking their mail. There were the normal college pranks in Chapter XII/lOl
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