#TBT in the Archives 4/1/15

Throwback Thursday comes early this week! We couldn't resist! Since today is April Fool's Day, we thought it would be fun to highlight past issues of the Slate that were published on April 1st. These four issues include some completely false, but totally hilarious reads that poke fun at Shippensburg, and reflect the time periods when they were written. This issue of Le Slaté from 2000 includes the headline "Beer taps to be installed in CUB," claiming that the taps will replace the soda fountains, available from noon to 11pm with a Friday "special" from 3-4pm. Other articles include "President Ceddia Missing," "SU senior fails out due to Instant Messenger mishap," and "Mad cows let loose in Shippensburg."
 

  

This issue of the Slant from 1986 proclaims that Ship has reverted back to its original name, the Cumberland Valley State Normal School. In reality, the school became Shippensburg State Teacher's School in 1931, Shippensburg State College in 1962, and has remained Shippensburg University since 1983. Other articles titled "CVSNS's Slant mascot missing" and "CVSNS squirrel-chasing team ready for season" play on this huge "announcement" and reflect college culture.

 

  

The 1975 issue has some rather interesting articles, such as the one above, "Superman Saves SSC; parts of S. America." It describes Superman flying over Ship's campus to save students from an intentionally misprinted academic calendar that scheduled classes to be in session during the spring break holiday. "Who printed this?" you may ask. The "notorious Grinch" of course! It's safe to say that the author of this piece has quite an imagination!

The first April Fool's special edition was printed in 1968. The article featured above states that until proposed separate sex buses are arranged, girls and boys "are asked to sit on opposite sides of the bus while traveling to and from their classes." This article plays on the social issues of the late 1960s including race relations and gender equality.

Now remember, the articles featured in today's Throwback Thursday post are entirely false! If you would like to read all of the articles in these April Fool's issues, stop by University Archives & Special Collections!

Want to learn more about Ship's history? No need to wait for the next Throwback Thursday! Visit Archives & Special Collections during our open research hours, or contact us via e-mail: specialcollections@ship.edu or phone: 717-477-1516.