Penn State homecomings through the depression

It’s homecoming week at Penn State, and we’re looking back at homecomings far in the past for a photo gallery that will run through Friday. These photos, courtesy of Penn State University Archives, Penn State University Libraries, take you to the late 1920s and early 1930s, showing reunions, parades and homecoming festivities.

Photo provided/Penn State University Archives

Class of 1929 alumni march down High Street in Bellefonte some time during the 1930s. Photo provided/Penn State University Archives

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Ralph Dorn Hetzel became president of the university in 1927. In the 1930s, branch campuses were formed throughout the state for students who could not afford to leave home to attend college during the Depression.

Old Main was rebuilt in 1930 and opened at the 75th anniversary celebration in October during homecoming.

Also in 1930, Mont Alto forestry school was acquired from the state. The School of Physical Education and Athletics was established in 1931 and The Nittany Lion Inn opened the same year.

The Class of 1932 provided funds to finish the three center panels of the Old Main Frescoes.

The frescoes, painted by Henry Varnum Poor, cover three walls in the second floor lobby and pay tribute to the establishment of the university and land-grant education.

Here’s the third installment, with more to come Friday.