Penn College had four different literary societies by 1876-77, two for "gentlemen", two for "ladies". By 1916, they had nine literary societies divided into the following: for college men, Alcimian and Brightonian; for college women, Alethian and…
The first Commencement was in 1875 with Linda Ninde Dorland graduating. Commencement typically lasted all day starting with the Baccalaureate, and ending either with the President or a professor hosting the Commencement Dinner. In later years, it…
The first football team at Penn was formed in 1892, with James R. Howard serving as captain. The first full season of football was in the year 1896. Penn's first undefeated football team was in 1904 (7-0), and Penn's first Iowa Conference…
In 1890, Miss Amy Hutchinson came to Penn College as its first Music Professor in both vocal and instrumental. Over 75 students enrolled in her department. After the three years she worked at Penn, the Music Department became a well-established part…
Penn College was founded by Quakers, who believed education to be a necessity in their lives, but public schooling had not yet come to Iowa in the late 19th Century. Oskaloosa seemed like the perfect location for a Quaker college due to the two…
The May Day Pageant was started around 1901 by the Y.W.C.A. The May Queen is selected from the senior women, by the men students, while the women elect a Cardinal to crown and attend to the Queen. The procession marches across the campus to the…
