More Fun Facts, Institute-wise

Posted by Mary Murray on February 18th 2011 | 0 Comments

Tags: Institute

75 Fun Facts about Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute
Slightly Chronological, but Otherwise In No Discernable Order
Installment 2

The 1940 Institute yearbook reported that, in the Community Arts building (which was Fountain Elms) on Thursday evenings, “the students of the adult immigrant English classes are entertained with music, movies, and refreshments.”

Fundraising appeals have been with us always, it seems. In 1940, this message went out: “The Institute needs funds to enable it to carry on its rapidly growing program. You are earnestly invited to give to the Institute in sums large or small.”

The first children’s classes in the school of art included marionette puppet-making, weaving and folk dancing, described as “a whirl of fun!”

During World War II, “Institute staff and students have given freely of their time and efforts for various war activities. The faculty and staff of the School of Art decorated the U.S. O. Lounge at the Union Station, designed posters and window displays for the Bond Drive.”

The 1944 Institute Yearbook published a photograph of the Office of the Executive Vice-President in which Board and departmental meetings were convened (I suspect this was in the Cultural Program building, which was razed in 1960 when the Philip Johnson building was erected). The spacious, handsomely paneled room had a large fireplace complete with an elaborate mantelpiece. What I liked most about the décor, however, was the large moose head hanging on the wall. I can’t help but wonder whatever happened to that? Not part of the museum’s collection today . . .