Class histories were a popular feature of the Oak Leaves for decades, starting with the first yearbook in 1904. Each class would complete a narrative, often in the form of a poem or letter, of the events of the academic year just completed. In addition to learning about the events themselves, reading through these class histories is a way to learn about how generations of students experienced them. Class histories are still completed today in different forms, usually for the graduating class at Class Day or for reunions in the form of newsletters or self-published books. Recent class histories are found in class boxes, scrapbooks and time capsules in the Meredith College Archives.
Frances Livingston Johnson wrote the 5-page essay detailing the college career of the Class of 1912 - complete with a sly sense of humor and footnotes - that appeared in the Oak Leaves. Perhaps she passed down her desire for documentation to her sister, Mary Lynch Johnson (Class of 1917), who wrote and published the first college history, A History of Meredith College (1956.)
To read the history in its entirety, start at: 1912 Oak Leaves Senior Class History
A section of Archives is set aside for the artifacts of each class in Class Boxes. Every year during Reunion Weekend, returning alumae can enjoy their momentos and add new memories and history.
A selection of class scrapbooks in archival boxes.
The class of 1932 put together a scrapbook celebrating their 50th anniversary in 1982.
A page from the Class of 1991's scrapbook commemorating 1988's Cornhuskin'. Snapshots and handwritten notes give us insights into memorable occasions.
In recent years, the Print Department of Meredith College have helped 50th anniversary classes format and publish Memory Books to share with classmates.
A few classes have put together more elaborate memory boxes in the form of time capsules to be opened in the future.
Carlyle Campbell Library
Meredith College
3800 Hillsborough St.
Raleigh, NC 27607
919-760-8532
