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Michigan Agricultural College
Artifacts from Michigan Agricultural College (1855-1925), predecessor to Michigan State College (1925-1955), predecessor to Michigan State University
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Michigan Agricultural College
Artifacts from Michigan Agricultural College (1855-1925), predecessor to Michigan State College (1925-1955), predecessor to Michigan State University
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Items are numbered in the order I acquired them. I have tried my best to display the items in chronological order or by category (jewelry, pins, watch fobs, etc.). But if you discover errors, or if you can offer additional historical information about an item, please email me. I'm always looking for accuracy and completeness. Special thanks to MSU Curator of History Val Berryman, author Kevin Forsyth, and fellow collector Tim Fox for their immeasurable help in identifying some of my artifacts. Donations of MAC artifacts gratefully accepted with full credit given to the donor.
Note: Artifacts bearing an MSC logo with "Established 1857" indicate that the item was marketed before 1934 when MSC decided to use 1855, not 1857, as the year the school was established. Today, the official seal of MSU shows "Established 1855" at the center. (See "1934" below.) Note: MAC was almost always spelled with periods after each letter, which not only reflected early 20th Century spelling practices, but also let readers know that the title was not to be used as an acronym... always pronounced "M-A-C," never "Mack." One well-traveled street in the heart of East Lansing is "MAC Avenue." It should be pronounced "M-A-C Avenue," yet many today call it "Mack Avenue." I never refer to the college as "Mack," but I also think "M.A.C." looks goofy, so I usually use "MAC" in print.
Note: Artifacts bearing an MSC logo with "Established 1857" indicate that the item was marketed before 1934 when MSC decided to use 1855, not 1857, as the year the school was established. Today, the official seal of MSU shows "Established 1855" at the center.
1847
Michigan holds first state fair in nation; speaker promotes agricultural education
1849
Michigan State Agricultural Society formed; advocates a state college of agriculture
February 12, 1855
At urging of Michigan State Agricultural Society, Agricultural College of the State of Michigan is established by Michigan legislature. Joseph R. Williams appointed first president.
February 22, 1855
Pennsylvania Agricultural School formed (forerunner of Penn State)
March 6, 1856
Maryland Agricultural College chartered
May 13, 1857
Agricultural College of the State of Michigan formally dedicated; first classes begin
March 15, 1861
Name officially changed to State Agricultural College... less cumbersome
May 1907
Michigan State Agricultural College celebrates its semi-centennial on May 26, 29, 30 and 31. Celebration includes numerous social activities and speeches, including one by US President Theodore Roosevelt entitled, "The Man Who Works with His Hands." (Also see "1934" below.)
June 2, 1909
Name officially changed to Michigan Agricultural College, to eliminate any confusion about which state it was in.
May 1, 1925
MAC wants to remove the word "agriculture" from its name, but University of Michigan officials oppose the change. Michigan State College of Agriculture and Applied Science created as a compromise, but MSC rarely uses the "Agriculture and Applied Science" part of its name.
1934
Officials from Maryland Agricultural College ask officials at Michigan Agricultural College why they promote the college as the "pioneer Land-Grant college" when it celebrated its semi-centennial in 1907 (Maryland Agricultural College was chartered in 1856). Officials at Michigan Agricultural College confer and decide to begin recognizing February 12, 1855, as the date Michigan Agricultural College was formed, thus retaining the title of "pioneer Land-Grant college"... ten days before Pennsylvania Agricultural School is formed (forerunner of Penn State) and a year before Maryland Agricultural College.
July 1, 1955
Name officially changed to Michigan State University of Agriculture & Applied Science. On its 100th anniversary, MSC becomes a university, but not permitted to legally remove "agriculture" from its name.
January 1, 1964
Name officially changed to simply Michigan State University. The Michigan Constitution of 1964 allows MSU to finally drop "Agriculture and Applied Science" from its name. Because the letters could not form an acronym, MSU is rarely seen as "M.S.U." in print.
February 11, 2005
MSU celebrates sesquicentennial (a day early), coinciding with inauguration of Dr. Lou Anna K. Simon as MSU's 20th president
February 12, 2005
MSU's official sesquicentennial, celebrated by small group of faithful Spartans
October 7, 2005
MSU celebrates its sesquicentennial with a revival of the Water Carnival (student floats on the Red Cedar), fireworks and a dance. A cool, damp evening keeps the crowds down.
October 8, 2005
MSU continues its sesquicentennial celebration with a three-hour parade down Michigan Avenue and through campus, and the official re-dedication of the outdoor Sparty statue (the original ceramic Sparty statue had been previously moved inside Spartan Stadium to permanently protect it from the elements). Again, a cool, breezy day keeps the crowds down.
October 21, 2005
MSU continues its sesquicentennial celebration with a huge bonfire on the Ag Expo grounds south of the railroad tracks.
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1855-1925 |
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MAC (Item #127, #128, #126, #151)
College Hall was the first structure built on campus. Built in 1856, the image of College Hall may still be seen today at the center of the official seal of the University (inset).
In the top postcard, tree stumps are still visible. They would later be cleared for roads, foot paths and other buildings. The handwritten text on the bottom postcard reads, "College Hall. Oldest agricultural building in the world. MAC, East Lansing, Mich. No. 62." Viewer is facing northwest in top postcard; northeast in the middle postcard; northwest in the bottom postcard. The bottom postcard (postmarked 11/1/1910) shows College Hall (left), Williams Hall (center), and the Chemical Lab (right). All three are now gone. All postcards are unused, 5½" x 3½" |
 
MAC (Item #106)
Ceramic mug with special thumb mold for easy hoisting. Made by Langrock Brothers, New York. |
 
MAC (Item #157)
Paperweight with embossed MAC logo. Painted all green, but now has some flaking and oxidation. |
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MAC (Item #158)
Leather patch - Appears to have been removed from a larger piece of soft leather... a banner perhaps? Light brown leather sewn onto darker leather. Text around logo is burned into the leather with a handheld woodburning tool. 7½" diameter |
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MAC (Item #159)
Leather patches - Appears to have been removed from a larger piece of soft leather... a banner perhaps? Light brown leather sewn onto darker leather. Each letter is approx. 4"x2" |
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MAC (Items #38)
Collector spoons - Several variations, including my favorite: an owl with ruby-colored eyes sitting on a scroll. The spoon pictured at the bottom has "12" hand-engraved on the back of the handle... perhaps a graduation gift for someone who graduated in 1912?
Each is Sterling silver, approx. 5½" long |
  
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MAC Ladle (Item #182) |
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MAC (Item #23)
Milk bottle Quart glass milk bottle Text is embossed (painted green to enhance visibility in photo; filled with styrofoam pellets to simulate milk).
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Program to the Junior Exhibition (Class of 1875) held August 26, 1874 (this is my oldest piece bearing a date). This cleverly designed four-piece program has a grommet in the corner so each page could be swung out of the way. Interior pages contain the names of guest speakers, songs to be sung, music performed, etc. |
  MAC - 1885 (Item #15) Professor Robert C. Kedzie became one of MAC's most prominent 19th-century scientists. Among his many accomplishments, Kedzie helped to end such practices as the sale of arsenic laden wallpaper and volatile kerosene as an early consumer advocate, established Michigan's sugar beet industry, and organized the Farmers Institute in 1876, which evolved into the Extension Program. This envelope appears to have been addressed by Prof. Kedzie. It was sent to his brother-in-law James H. Fairchild of Oberlin, OH. Fairchild was president of Oberlin College; Kedzie was married to Fairchild's sister, Harriet. Kedzie Hall on the MSU campus is named in honor of Prof. Kedzie. (6¼" x 3½")
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MAC - 1887 (Item #117) Class Day program for Class of 1890, held August 5, 1887. Heavy card stock bi-fold with gilded, sculpted edges. 3" x 4¼"
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MAC - 1888 (Item #163) Commencement announcement for Class of 1888, held August 12-14. Invitation specifically asks guests of the 32 graduates not to bring flowers! In the background is the first Wells Hall, built in 1877 as a dormitory. |
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MAC - 1894 (Item #86) An envelope addressed to Mrs. and Rev. H. W. Hicks of Corunna, MI, from G. H. Hicks at MAC, postmarked February 7, 1894. It once contained a letter from student G. H. Hicks to his/her parents(?). During his studies at MAC, Hicks collected samples of herbs and fungi for research. Such collections are noted even today on a Rutgers University website. 6¼" x 3½"
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MAC - 1897 (Item #81) Handbill from MAC Chapel inviting students to a series of sermons shortly before graduation. Interestingly, special services on May 30 were for Decoration Day which would later be called Memorial Day and changed to the last Monday each May. Printed on one side, index stock 3" x 5¼"
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MAC - 1900 (Item #69) MAC Professor William J. Beal (also see Item #57 above) wrote this postcard to Frederick Richardson of Burlington, VT, editor of International Monthly magazine, thanking him for a copy of his magazine but declining an offer to subscribe. Written February 5, 1900. (5¼" x 3") |
 
MAC - 1902 (Item #116) Student Handbook published annually at MAC, with helpful information about MAC, train schedules, etc. Cover shows MAC monogram logo. 82 pages. (2½" x 5½") |
 
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MAC - 1903 (Item #75)
Guide Book for Excursion Week, August 1903. Given to attendees to help them find various buildings and sites on campus. Interior has a map of campus; back gives basic statistics (55 buildings, 13 laboratories, 68 professors and assistants, 854 students, $225,000 annual income of MAC). "If you or any of your friends think of attending college next year, please call at President Snyder's office in Library Building No. 24." 4¼" x 8½" (This is a simple 8½" x 11" piece of glossy paper, printed on both sides, then folded.) |
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High school diploma - From Bay County Public Schools, assuring recipient of admission to the freshman class at Michigan Agricultural College. (20" x 16") |
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Complete calendar bound by gold string at top. Jan-Feb shows a coed in front of the Women's Building (known as Morrill Hall today); Mar-Apr shows a student of horticulture with pruning sheers in his hand, standing in front of the Botany Building; May-June shows a track athlete; July-Aug shows a cadet in the ROTC program with the Armory in the background; Sept-Oct shows a veterinary student; Nov-Dec shows a student working in the machine shop. 6" x 9" |
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MAC - 1907 (Item #149) Front page of the Detroit Free Press (April 7, 1907) featuring a story about the May 1907 celebration of MAC's first 50 years, with guest speakers US President Theodore Roosevelt and MAC President Jonathan L. Snyder. Very brittle. 18" x 22" |
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MAC - 1907 (Item #60) Unused postcard announcing the celebration of MAC's first 50 years, with guest speakers US President Theodore Roosevelt and MAC President Jonathan L. Snyder (1896-1915). MAC monogram logo in corners. One-cent postage. 5½" x 3½" |
 
MAC - 1907 (Item #83)
Semi-Centennial Celebration of Michigan State Agricultural College - 377-page official record of MAC's semi-centennial celebrated May 26, 29, 30 and 31 in 1907 (Why 1857, not 1855?). Written by Dr. Thomas Blaisdell and published by MAC, it contains entire speeches from MAC administrators and guests from various colleges, including the speech delivered by US President Theodore Roosevelt extolling the virtues of "the man who works with his hands." Contains a few pictures, and lots of details about the many activities during the four-day celebration. Pages are gilded on top; rough-cut on sides and bottom. Cover is olive drab, with gold hot-stamped text and semi-centennial logo (same logo as on Item #56 above). |
 
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MAC - 1910 (Item #171) Thanksgiving Day Program (November 24, 1910) - This program says, "Greetings and best wishes from the Faculty to the Students, unexpectedly, by the force of circumstances denied the privilege of the usual Thanksgiving vacation." I do not know what event(s) occurred at this time, but evidently the students were not given their usual Thanksgiving break from classes. (Please let me know if you know what "force of circumstances" might have been happening then.) Program says, "Football, Sports and Stunts" at 10:00 AM; "Dinner at the Clubs" at 2:00 PM. Bears an embossed MAC intertwined logo in lower right corner. Paper. Size 4" x 7", bound with gold cord
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Beanie - This freshman beanie was worn by MAC engineering student Earl Sayres ("E. Sayres" printed on interior leather sweatband). He played MAC football as a senior in 1915. Sayres later gave this beanie to his son Frank, who sold it many years later to Lora Campbell Tebbetts of Tecumseh, MI. Frank Sayres passed away in 2005; Lora sold it to my friend Tim Fox in 2006 who then sold it to me. Brown cloth with green button on top; leather interior sweatband. Made by US Cap Company, Detroit. Size 7⅛
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MSC - 1912 (Item #123)
Ribbons from the October 25, 1912, annual barbecue for the Class of 1915... and from the Fifth Annual Cap Night for the Class of 1916. I do not know what activities the annual Cap Night would have included. Previous owner used some kind adhesive at top and bottom of ribbons to affix to a scrapbook, thus the blemishes. Also see item #124 below from 1914. Both ribbons are 6" tall.
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MSC - 1913 (Item #148)
Student Handbook published annually at MAC, with helpful information about MAC such as a school calendar, school regulations, athletics, various student organizations, etc. This artifact is very tattered and fragile. 142 pages. 5¼" x 2¾" |
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Commencement Program This is a brown leather-bound program for Commencement Exercises held June 24, 1913. The booklet contains the graduation program, names of class officers, various committees and their members, then the names of all graduates in their various disciplines. It shows a rarely-used MAC logo on top and a different MAC logo at the bottom. The bottom logo has the State of Michigan seal at the center, and 1857 in Roman numerals at the bottom. Why 1857, not 1855? Measures 5" x 6½"
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MSC - 1913 (Item #176)
Dance Card from the February 21, 1913, Senior Dance at the Agricultural Building. A gentleman would ask a lady to add him to her "dance card." The lady would then grant dances in a specific order. This dance card room for had 18 dances (some were Waltzes, some were the Two Step) plus two "extra" dances. Bound by a blue cord. 2" x 4¼"
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MSC - 1913 (Item #177)
MAC Band Party Dance Card from April 18, 1913, at the MAC Armory. A gentleman would ask a lady to add him to her "dance card." The lady would then grant dances in a specific order. This dance card had room for 18 dances (some were Waltzes, some were the Two Step). Bound by a gold cord. 3" x 5¼"
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MSC - 1913 (Item #178)
Dance Card from March 15, 1913, at the MAC Armory. A gentleman would ask a lady to add him to her "dance card." The lady would then grant dances in a specific order. This dance card had room for 18 dances. Sponsored by the Eunomian-Aurorean Society. I do not have much information about this group, but Wikipedia says in 4th century Christianity, Eunomians believed that Jesus was of a different nature and in no way like that of God, the Father. Music provided by Logan's Orchestra. Leather, bound by a gold cord. 2¼" x 3¾"
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MSC - 1914 (Item #124)
Ribbon from the Seventh Annual Cap Night held June 18, 1914, for the Class of 1916. I do not know what activities the annual Cap Night would have included. Previous owner used some kind adhesive at top and bottom of ribbon to affix to a scrapbook, thus the blemishes. Also see item #123 above from 1912. 6" tall
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MAC - 1915 (Item #125) Pocket football schedule with all scores filled in. A great year for Coach John Macklin and his Aggies who went 5-1-0, including an impressive 24-0 win over Michigan! The Aggies scored 259 points and gave up only 38. Macklin is MSU's winningest coach by percentage (85.3%). Super MAC mongram logo printed in green; all other text printed in black. Made of hard index stock, card is 2½" x 4" when folded. |
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MAC - c. 1917 (Item #92)
Bronze plaque for the State Board of Agriculture, MAC's governing body from 1861 to 1959. This image matches exactly the official seal that appears on the 1917 MAC diploma (see Item #179 below). Beautiful MAC monogram logo.
MSU Curator of History Val Berryman suggests it may have been used by the Board on its office door prior to 1925 when MAC became MSC. But neither he nor I know for sure. I welcome your input. "G + P" hand-engraved on the back. |
 
MAC - 1917 (Item #179) Diploma for Arthur Witty Billings who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering on June 1, 1917. Signed by MAC President Frank S. Kedzie, son of famed MAC chemistry professor Robert C. Kedzie (see item #15 from 1885 above). Printed on a thin plastic material, sensitive to heat. Diploma contains an embossed "Michigan State Board of Agriculture" seal with intertwined MAC logo. 19" x 15"
Note: On 5/28/09, I received an email from a Diana Landis who wrote, "Bob, I just Googled my grandfather's name, and your website came up with his name. He is my father's Dad and lived in Michigan before he moved to California where my father, his twin brother, their other brother and sister were born." Wow... the power of the internet!
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MAC - 1917 (Item #107) Student Handbook published annually at MAC, with helpful information about MAC such as a school calendar, school regulations, athletics, various student organizations, etc. Shown here is the section on Athletics with a photo of MAC football Coach Chester Brewer. Text reads, in part, "The student body should plan to give its loyal support, and make the men feel that the efforts which they put forth are appreciated." Cover shows YMCA logo with MAC and 1917-18 in gold hot stamp. 151 pages. (5¼" x 2¾") This item was graciously donated by Gail Williamson of Columbus, OH, who wanted to share its splendor with Spartans everywhere. Thank you Gail! |
 MAC - 1919 (Item #98)
Pennant - Dark blue felt sewn to dark green; all letters and numerals are sewn. A delicate piece with several moth holes, but still marvelous. 28" x 11" |
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MAC - 1919 (Item #141)
Uniform Patch - It is believed that this was part of an athletic jersey worn by an MAC player, but I have not been able to verify that. It is clearly old (faded and dirty with minor moth holes), and because it is so similar to the condition of the 1919 pennant above, I believe this patch to be about the same time. Letters are stitched on, and there is some residual stitching on the outside edges. (If you see this in some photo somewhere, I'd appreciate hearing from you! Thank you.) Heavy felt, 7" x 3½" |
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MAC - 1920s (Item #180) Paperweight - This is a horseshoe-shaped paperweight with "MAC" stamped at the top (technically, at the bottom because horseshoes are supposed to hang with the open end upward so they can "catch" the luck). There is some speculation on my part that this could be a promotional piece from some company not associated with Michigan Agricultural College. But fellow MAC collector Tim Fox also owns one, and believes it to be authentic. It would make sense (horse sense?... oooo, sorry!) that MAC would have such an item due to its great involvement with horses in the 1920s. Cast iron with the ends turned up slightly; indentations that simultate holes for nails. 2½" wide. Weighs 3½ ounces. |
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MAC - 1920s (Item #166) Varsity sweater - I only WISH I owned this. It was posted on eBay.com in December 2008 for $1,000. It did not sell. It appears to be an authentic varsity sweater from the 1920s. According to the eBay posting, "It appears to be hand-made, with gathered knitting at the wrists and waist, and a rolled-down turtleneck collar area. Interlocking green felt lettering MAC logo has been stitched to the front of the cream-colored garment." It was offered by Mastro Auctions which has a good reputation for offering authentic items. |
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MAC - 1923 (Item #110)
Hand Bill - Small paper advertisement for the 1923 Horse Show on campus. 2¼" x 2¾" |
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MAC - 1923 (Item #137)
Dinner Knife - This is part of a stainless steel dinner knife set given to someone for having graduated from MAC in 1923. "MAC 23" is engraved on the handle. "Wm. Rogers & Son, Stainless Steel" appears on the reverse side of the blade. 9½" long
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MAC - 1923 (Items #172)
Union Memorial Building - Photo of MAC students pulling tree stumps, clearing the way for construction of the Union Memorial Building (today's Union) in November 1923. The photo says, "MAC men and 'Henry' can do it!" ("Henry" was obviously Henry Ford's Model T.) My thanks to Jeff Stahl of Pisgah Forest, NC, for graciously donating this photo. Jeff's father was Dr. Arthur Stahl, an MAC graduate.
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MAC - 1923 (Items #173)
West Entrance - Photo of west entrance to campus. I believe this view would be from Grand River Avenue, looking southeast into campus. My thanks to Jeff Stahl of Pisgah Forest, NC, for graciously donating this photo. Jeff's father was Dr. Arthur Stahl, an MAC graduate.
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MAC - 1923 (Items #174)
Basketball Player? - Photo of a Michigan Aggie, predecessor to the Michigan State Spartan. I do not know which sport is represented here... wrestling perhaps? I also do not know this player's name. My thanks to Jeff Stahl of Pisgah Forest, NC, for graciously donating this photo. Jeff's father was Dr. Arthur Stahl, an MAC graduate.
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MAC - 1923 (Items #175)
North Entrance - Photo of north entrance to campus. I believe this view would be from Grand River Avenue and Abbott Road, looking south into campus. My thanks to Jeff Stahl of Pisgah Forest, NC, for graciously donating this photo. Jeff's father was Dr. Arthur Stahl, an MAC graduate.
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MAC - 1924 (Item #111)
Dance Card (with original pencil attached) from 1924 MAC Junior Hop. Dance cards helped coeds track the order of dances with their partners. The pencil cord was blue and yellow... much too close to maize-and-blue for me! Let's hope this was the last time such color combination was permitted on the MAC campus! Leather embossed with MAC logo; unused. 2¾" x 4" |
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Leather Wallet from 1924 MAC Junior Hop. |
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MAC replica (Item #154)
Sandblasted rock - I wish I could tell you this is old, but it's not. I had the MAC logo sandblasted into this rock. The logo was then painted black. The rock stands 7¼" tall, and weighs 6 pounds. The logo is about ¼" deep into the rock.
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MAC (Item #162)
Hat badge from a band member's uniform. Gorgeous MAC monogram logo. On the back are two small "horns" that stuck into the hat and helped keep the badge from rotating. In the center on the back is a round fastener that screws onto a threaded post. Oxidation over the last 100 years has caused the tips of the logo to turn black, but most of this badge is a shiny brass. The tips are smooth, but I am unable to remove the black. 2" tall, 1¾" wide.
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MAC (Item #44)
Lapel pin - MAC monogram logo. Appears to be copper with hinged straight-pin clasp. Pin is intact, but not shown here (folded behind material for photo). 1" x 1" |
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MAC (Item #46)
Button - Perhaps from a band member's coat or uniform? Approx. 3/16" thick with a 5/16" metal loop on the back for sewing onto coat. The back simply says "Superior Quality." Brass, 7/8" diameter (½" from face of button to top of loop) |
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MAC - 1900 (Item #64)
Hat badge from a band member's uniform. Gorgeous MAC monogram logo. On the back are two small "horns" that stuck into the hat and helped keep the badge from rotating. In the center on the back is a fastener that screws onto a threaded post. The fastener has three tiny "horns" that gripped the inside of the hat for a firm hold. "The Victory - Pat. Nov 6, 1900" is stamped inside the fastener. Made of thin metal, gold in color. 1¾" x 2" |
 
MAC - 1907 (Item #56)
Ceremonial badge - This badge was worn in 1907 by students celebrating MAC's first 50 years. The upper portion has a slot into which a piece of paper or cardboard was inserted laterally from the back, showing the person's name. It has a simple safety-pin clasp on the back to pin onto the person's suit or top coat. Different colored ribbons designated various categories of participants; students wore white ribbons. The front of the medallion shows College Hall (the centerpiece of today's official seal), a stand of wheat, a telescope on a tripod, and two men... one with a sickle, the other with a wheel and hammer. The back says "Semi-centennial, Michigan Agricultural College... Agriculture, Engineering, Domestic Science, Forestry." |
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MAC - c. 1908 (Item #105) Ring worn by an MAC graduate. "EAG10K" and "CK" engraved inside. It says "Founded 1857," not 1855. Why 1857, not 1855? 10K gold. Size 8. |
MAC - 1910 (Item #160)Lapel pin (celluloid) with ribbon attached. 15th Annual Round-Up Farmers' Institute, February 22-25, 1910. Made by "The Whitehead & Hoag Company, Newark, NJ." Whitehead & Hoag began in 1892, manufacturing buttons, badges, banners, flags and a wide variety of advertising novelties in celluloid, metal, ribbons, silk and woven fabrics. The main business office was in Newark, NJ, with branch offices in no less than 30 leading cities, including London, England. Whitehead & Hoag was one of the largest advertisement firms in the world at the turn of the 19th century. They had huge contracts with companies like Boeing, Guinness, Budweiser, Bass Ale, the US government, and hundreds more. They were also responsible for the patent of "celluloid," a high-quality compound used for printing that made the prints more durable and vibrant in color. Dark green ribbon is 3" long with gold heat-stamped text. Lapel pin is 1¼" diameter |
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MAC - 1911 (Item #97) Medal and ribbon awarded at MAC Sixth Annual Interscholastic Track Meet held May 13, 1911. According to MSU Curator of History Val Berryman, this event was for athletes from over 50 Michigan high school teams to compete against each other while getting a taste of college life. Engraved on back: "First in 12-pound shot put." In very small stamped letters: "Whitehead & Hoag Co., Newark, NJ. Gold filled." Ribbon is tattered. I did not try to clean the clasp at top, but a little Brasso really brought out the bright gold of the medal. The picture does not do it justice... this medal really shines! Medal is 1¼" diameter; ribbon is 6" high from top of clasp to bottom of ribbon.
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MAC - 1914 (Item #102) Pin from 1914 Farmers' Institute and Farmers' Week on the MAC campus, bringing farmers from across the region to hear about the latest improvements in farming. MAC Professor Robert C. Kedzie organized the Farmers' Institute in 1876. It later evolved into the Extension Program. This cellulose button shows the front of Morrill Hall on the MAC campus. Pin made by St. Louis Button Company of St. Louis, MO (patented August 8, 1899). (1¼" diameter) |
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MAC - c. 1915 (Item #21)
Varsity lapel pin for members of the Varsity Club. MAC monogram logo. 10k gold. ½" wide |
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MAC - 1917 (Item #22)
Football charm sewn onto player's athletic letter. "MAC" engraved on top half... "1917" on bottom. ½" long |
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MAC - 1917 (Item #161)
Lapel pin (celluloid) with safety pin attached. Made by "The Pettibone Brothers Manufacturing Company, Cincinnati, OH" 1¼" diameter |
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MAC - c. 1918 (Item #29)
Lapel pin with fold-over safety catch on back. Gold plated sterling silver with green enamel border. ¼" diameter |
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MAC - c. 1918 (Item #19)
Lapel pin with fold-over safety catch on back. ¼" diameter |
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MAC - 1918 (Item #20)
Lapel pin for graduating Class of 1918. Gold with green and white inlay. The MAC logo here emphasizes the Block-M which would later become the logo for University of Michigan. Gold plated. ¼" diameter This rare item shows the great influence University of Michigan had on MAC during its formative years. MAC had not yet adopted a standard "corporate identity" like the Block-S. Instead, it sometimes used a modified Block-M like that used by UM. |
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MAC - 1920s (Item #115) Pin from Michigan Agricultural College Association with ribbons of the school colors: green and white! Cellulose button. 1" diameter |
 
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Ring with official seal showing "1857" as year of establishment. Why 1857, not 1855? |
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MSC - 1938 (Item #65)
Lapel pin from graduating Class of 1938. ½" diameter |
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MSC - 1940 (Item #120)
Lapel pin from graduating Class of 1940. ½" diameter |
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Some MAC postcards have "C.E.W." on the card, a reference to "C. E. Walter, photographer, Agricultural College, Mich. Negatives, stereoscopic views, lantern slides and transparencies made to order." |
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MAC (Item #131)
Postcard of the bridge on Farm Lane. The viewer is standing south of the Red Cedar, looking northwest. To the left of the smokestack and behind the barn, you can see the second and third stories of Williams Hall, a dormitory destroyed by fire in January 1919. Since the dairies and barnyard compounds were north of the river, and the pastures were to the south, for decades livestock was the predominant traffic across the bridge. In the early years, female students were forbidden south of the river. The land on which we now stand was considered "too wild." Unused, 5½" x 3½" |
 
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"Bit of the Campus of MAC" (Item #122)
1910, unused (known to be 1910 from similar postcards that were cancelled by US Post Office). Postcard has two green and white ribbons affixed by an adhesive seal bearing an embossed MAC logo. Author Kevin Forsyth says the building on the right is No. 6 Faculty Row, so the viewer is looking west along Faculty Row (now called West Circle Drive). According to Kevin, heading off to the right is the old north entrance that reached Grand River opposite Evergreen Street. |
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Abbott Hall (Item #88)
Unused, dated 1904. Built in 1888 as the third dormitory on campus, Abbott Hall was named for Dr. Theophilus Capen Abbot who was MAC's third president (1862-84). The hall was torn down in 1968, then replaced with the current Music Practice building. |
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Abbott Hall (Item #95)
Dated 1905. Nellie. F. wrote to Mrs. N. Bald of Thorold, Ontario, Canada, "Does this look familiar? Do you remember our walk? I would like to have you write ever so much." Postmarked December 18, 1905.
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Agriculture Hall (Item #77) Mailed 10/23/14 in Lansing to George Campbell in Saginaw, MI, from his father. The new Agriculture Hall (Agricultural Building) was the largest building on campus when it was dedicated in 1909. It was built on the site of MAC's second horse barn, marking the beginning of a migration of the college's farm buildings to sites closer to the farm itself, south of the river. Viewer is facing east. (Descriptive text modified from Kevin Forsyth's excellent website. Thanks Kevin!) |
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Baseball Team (Item #140) An unused, undated postcard showing the MAC baseball team. Probably about 1910. |
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Basketball Team (Item #138) An unused, undated postcard showing the MAC basketball team. Probably about 1910. |
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Dairy Building / Soil Science (Item #80) Unused. The Dairy Building (which later became Soil Science) was built in 1914, and torn down in August 1987. It is still an empty spot on the backside of the parking lot behind Agriculture Hall (see Item #77). Today's MSU Dairy is in Anthony Hall, south of the river on Farm Lane. Open to the public for tours, the store still offers excellent ice cream! |
Engineering Hall (Olds Hall) (Item #76)
Unused mailing card - The photo is slightly embossed on the oval edge. This unused and oddly-shaped postcard doubled as a bookmark. Built in 1907, this building was gutted by fire in March 1916. Ransom Eli Olds, father of Lansing-based Oldsmobile and REO Motors, donated $100,000 to rebuild it in 1917. It remains in use today as R. E. Olds Hall, but the Engineering Department moved to a new building in 1962. Viewer is facing southeast. (6½" x 2¼"). Note: According to author Kevin Forsyth, the building that burned in 1916 never carried the Olds name. Olds Hall was a total rebuild from the ground up on the old foundation, and while it looks exactly like the older building, Kevin thinks it's inaccurate to show the building that burned down and call it Olds Hall.
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Engineering Hall (Olds Hall) (Item #150) Unused postcard of a coed walking her dog south from the Engineering Building. This bridge was later replaced by the foot bridge on the south side of today's library. |
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Engineering Hall (Olds Hall) (Item #109)
Postmarked March 10, 1916... just five days after the Engineering Building was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt in 1917, entirely with funds from Ransom Eli Olds, father of Lansing-based Oldsmobile and REO Motors. It remains in use today as R. E. Olds Hall (directly east of the main Library on campus). Sent by "W. G. S." in Lansing to Miss Leah Finkenauer in Freeland, MI. Viewer is facing southeast. Note: According to author Kevin Forsyth, the building that burned in 1916 never carried the Olds name. Olds Hall was a total rebuild from the ground up on the old foundation, and while it looks exactly like the older building, Kevin thinks it's inaccurate to show the building that burned down and call it Olds Hall. |
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Football--- vs Michigan (Items #139 & #100) First MAC football victory over University of Michigan. The game was played October 18, 1913, in Ann Arbor. MAC won 12-7. It was also MAC's first perfect season (7-0). John Macklin, for whom Spartan Stadium was originally named (Macklin Field), was the coach for MAC. Macklin is MSU's winningest coach by percentage (85.3%). The top postcard shows the first touchdown (it is unknown whether that was by MAC or UM). The bottom shows the crowd and band (probably the UM band). The top postcard is unused. The bottom postcard shows "1913" in fine white print near the bottom. The card was once glued to someone's scrapbook, so the back has four areas where black paper is attached and cannot be removed safely. The sender's message is mostly illegible. |
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Half-Way Rock (Item #152) was once a boulder located half-way between campus and downtown Lansing, along what today is Michigan Avenue. A seed found its way into a crevice in the rock, splitting the rock as it grew. Half of the rock was later moved to the southwest corner of what today is the Union Building. It remains there today, with a bronze plaque attached. |
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Library-Museum (today called Linton Hall) (Item #94)
This is the oldest building on campus that has survived in essentially its original form. Built in 1881, it originally served three purposes: administration building, library and museum. In 1969, it was named Linton Hall in honor of Robert S. Linton (MAC 1916), former registrar who worked for many years in this building. Check out the bicycles and horse and buggy! The postmark bears no year. It is addressed to Miss Ethel M. Sabin in McBrides, MI. "Dear Ethel: When far away in distant land, you view the writing of my hand, and if my face you cannot see, by this you can remember me. Your true friend, F. M. C." Viewer is facing southeast. (Descriptive text modified from Kevin Forsyth's excellent website. Thanks Kevin!)
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Library-Museum (today called Linton Hall) (Item #90) Sent 12/4/1909 to Clarence Marlatt of Applegate, MI, from his mother. Viewer is facing east. |
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This postcard (Item #153) shows the horse/human water fountain given by the Class of 1900, the Library-Museum (today called Linton Hall) and two other buildings. Viewer is facing east from just north of what today is the Museum. |
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Red Cedar River (Item #101)
Students canoeing on the Red Cedar River that runs through campus. The back is postmarked October 31, 1911, from Lansing. Addressed to Mrs. J. H. Clements of Dansville, MI. "Dear Wife, They have all the witnesses in on the Barnes case. The lawyers will begin their pleas tomorrow morning. Don't know how long it will take them. I think it will take all day. Anyhow, I hope they won't get through. Just might say we will be out all night. Yours truly with love. Bye bye. J."
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Veterinary Laboratory (Item #79) Mailed 6/29/12 in East Lansing to Miss Jumie Harris in Rising Sun, IN... signed, "W. L. C." Veterinary Laboratory The Vet Lab was built in 1885 southwest of Agriculture Hall (see Item #77). In 1913, the Vet Clinic moved to what today is the original portion of Giltner Hall. |
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Wells Hall 1 (Item #108)
Unused. The first Wells Hall was built in 1877 as a dormitory. It was named in honor of Judge Hezekiah Griffith Wells (1812-1885), the first president of the Michigan State Board of Agriculture. It was built south of where Saints' Rest stood before it burned to the ground (approximately where the Library stands today). Wells Hall met a similar fate on February 11, 1905. It was replaced by the second Wells Hall which, built across the street on the site where the Library currently stands (see Item #78 below). Viewer is facing north.
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Wells Hall 1 (Item #93)
Mailed 7/2/1910 in Lansing to Mr. Myron Howley, Jr. in Tonica, IL. No message... no sender's name. This is the first of three buildings named Wells Hall. It was built in 1877 on the site of Saints' Rest dormitory (just east of where the Museum stands today) after Saints' Rest burned to the ground in December 1867. In February 1905, this Wells Hall was also destroyed by fire. (Oddly, this postcard was postmarked five years after this building was destroyed!) |
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Wells Hall 2 (Item #96)
The second Wells Hall was built in 1907 as a student residence, and demolished in 1966 to make room for an addition to the main Library. Postmarked July 6, 1911. From "Ray" to Miss Erma Dankhaus of Sunfield, MI. Viewer is looking southwest. |
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Wells Hall 2 / Engineering Hall (Olds Hall) (Item #78) Mailed 10/15/1909 in Lansing to Miss S. Hopkins in Hammond, IN... signed, "F. E." Wells Hall (right) and Engineering Hall This was the second Wells Hall, built in 1907 as a student residence, and demolished in 1966 to make room for an addition to the main Library. The first Wells Hall was built in 1877, but destroyed by fire in 1905. A third Wells Hall was built on the south side of the river, across from the Administration Building. The Engineering Building was also gutted by fire once, but was rebuilt in 1917 as the R. E. Olds Engineering Building. Viewer is facing southeast. Note: According to author Kevin Forsyth, the building that burned in 1916 never carried the Olds name. Olds Hall was a total rebuild from the ground up on the old foundation, and while it looks exactly like the older building, Kevin thinks it's inaccurate to show the building that burned down and call it Olds Hall. |
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Women's Building (Morrill Hall) (Item #103) Mailed 10/21/1909 in Lansing to Mr. Corwin Clark in Ann Arbor, MI. "Have been having an exciting time. Something doing all the time." Women were first admitted to MAC in 1870. This building opened in Fall 1900 with dormitory rooms for 120 female students, cooking and sewing laboratories, music rooms, a woodshop, a two-story gymnasium, and a dining room on the third floor. It was later named Morrill Hall in honor of Senator Justin Smith Morrill who had passed away. It stands today, though its future is bleak. Viewer is facing northeast. |
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Williams Hall (Item #85)
Built in 1869 and named for Joseph Rickelson Williams, MAC's first president. This dorm was the center of collegiate life for many years. The bell in its tower chimed each morning to wake students, and tolled at the end of each class period. In January 1919, it burned to the ground. There were no injuries; students had not yet returned from Christmas break. Postmarked October 12, 1906. From Jacob Rau (?) of Lansing to Miss Jennie Tatum of Tatum, VA. (Descriptive text modified from Kevin Forsyth's excellent website. Thanks Kevin!) |
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MSC - 1949 (Item #40) Macklin Field (capacity 60,000), named in honor of MAC Coach John F. Macklin who led the Aggies from 1911 to 1915, with back-to-back upsets of powerhouses Michigan and Wisconsin. Macklin is MSU's winningest coach by percentage (85.3%). Macklin Field was renamed Spartan Stadium in 1957. |
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MSC - 1937 (Item #89) Sarah Langdon Williams Hall, built in 1937. The viewer is facing southeast from Michigan Avenue. |
College Leathers were issued around 1908-1914 by a variety of cigarette brands including Mogul, Murad, Egyptienne Straights, and Turkey Red. They carried no brand identification.
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MAC (Item #13) Advertising promotion card included in box of Murad brand cigarettes (see box below). This was part of the Murad Cigarettes College Series tobacco or cigarette card. Issued in 1910, this series of 150 cards showed a college seal, pennant and some significant aspect about the school. Each box would have contained five cigarettes. The blue seal visible on the box below is dated 1910, referencing a federal law of August 5, 1903, that required the manufacturer to pay a tax to the US Internal Revenue Service. Card is 2¾"x 2" |
 
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MAC (Item #62 and #130) Advertising promotion included in pouch of tobacco. Yet to adopt an official mascot in its early years, MAC sometimes used a bear to represent the Aggie athletic teams. Top image is silk-screened onto tan leather. Bottom image is embossed in green leather. 3½" x 2½" |
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MAC (Item #58)
Advertising promotion included in pouch of tobacco Logo and letters are embossed onto black leather. 2½" x 2" |
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MAC (Item #59)
Advertising promotion included in pouch of tobacco Logo is embossed; letters are recessed in green leather. 2½" x 2" |
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MAC (Item #134)
Advertising promotion included in pouch of tobacco Logo is stamped in silver on dark brown leather with nice tooling decoration along the borders. 2" x 2½"
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MAC (Item #84)
Advertising promotion included in pouch of tobacco Logo is stamped in black on tan leather. 2" x 2½"
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MAC (Item #66)
Advertising promotion included in pouch of tobacco Logo is printed in dark green on tan leather. 2" x 2½"
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MAC (Item #3)
Advertising promotion included in pouch of tobacco. Silver hot-stamp onto black leather. 2½"x 2"
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MAC (Item #132)
Advertising promotion included in pouch of tobacco Logo is stamped in gold on brown leather with nice stitching along the borders for decoration. Great MAC monogram logo! 2½" x 2"
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MAC (Item #133)
Advertising promotion included in pouch of tobacco Logo is stamped in black on dark green leather. Not only does this have a great MAC monogram logo, but it shows the huge influence University of Michigan had on MAC on its formative years. Note the use of the MAC logo within what might otherwise be considered a UM banner. 2½" x 2"
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MAC (Item #4)
Advertising promotion included in pouch of tobacco. Silver hot-stamp onto green leather. 2½" x 1½" |
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MAC (Item #14)
Advertising promotion card included in pouch of tobacco Green silk Beginning in 1910, the American Tobacco Company offered woven tobacco silks in their Egyptienne Luxury Cigarettes. There were silks for 150 colleges and universities, used as bookmarks or simply a souvenir. 1¾" x 3¼" |
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MAC - c. 1908 (Item #167)
Embossed heavy brass, with original leather strap. Stamped on the back in very small letters is "Robbins Company, Attleboro, Mass." This company began by manufacturing campaign buttons in 1892. It is still in business today, manufacturing jewelry for both men and women, marked "Robbins & Co."
1¾" wide Below is a photo of how it looked when I bought it. What a difference a little Brasso and a soft cloth can make! Some purists believe cleaning such an item somehow reduces its value. I disagree, especially when I see a brass item like this simply glow! |
 
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MAC - c. 1908 (Item #5)
Embossed heavy brass. In extremely small type on the back: "The Kinney Co., Providence, RI." 1¼" wide |
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MAC - 1911 (Item #39)
Available to graduates of the agricultural short courses. Letters are engraved, and filled with black ink, most of which has worn off through the years. Teaching in agricultural economics was initiated by Wilbur O. Hedrick, of the MAC Department of History and Economics, for degree students at MAC with a two-credit course in "Agricultural Economics." Made by C. J. Mayer, Indianapolis |
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MAC - 1914 (Item #114)
Available for the graduating Class of 1914. Letters are engraved, and filled with black ink, most of which has worn off through the years. Made by C. J. Mayer, Indianapolis |
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MAC - 1916 (Item #168)
This appears to be an item given away at the 1916 state convention of the Michigan State Grange held at MAC. The Grange (formally the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry) is a fraternal organization of American farmers that encourages farm families to band together for their common economic and political good. Contains an image of the Agriculture Building at MAC. Technically, this is not an "MAC" item, but since it involved activities at and images of MAC, I had to add it to my collection. Embossed silver. Embossed in extremely small type on the back: "The Whitehead & Hoag Co., Newark, NJ." 1½" wide |
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MAC - c. 1924 (Item #67)
Fob is embossed heavy brass; medallion with MAC monogram logo is a silver-colored, base-metal affixed to the fob. Because the two items are made of different materials, one affixed to the other, perhaps this was an early attempt to convert an otherwise generic item (like a watch fob that says "Michigan") into an item marketable at MAC simply by attaching a logo. Then again, maybe this is exactly the way it was supposed to be. Who knows for sure?! Fob is 1" x 1½" |
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Michigan State College - c. 1925 (Item #61)
Similar in size and material to Item #39 (see 1911) Made by C. J. Mayer, Indianapolis. 1½" x 1¾" |
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1925-1955 |
 
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MSC - 1925-1934 (Item #91)
Letter opener Bronze, 5¾" long Note the established date of 1857, not 1855. Why 1857, not 1855?
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MSC - 1927 (Item #2)
Football ticket stub - 4" x 2" Final score: Detroit 24, MSC 7
East Lansing on Central Time? - According to Steffen Thorsen of TimeandDate.com, East Lansing was in the Central Time Zone until May 1924. The time printed on this ticket might have been technically wrong, but since East Lansing had been on Central Time for so long, most people may not have even been aware of the change to Eastern Time. (From the looks of things, our team didn't show up on time, either!) |
 
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MSC - 1929 (Item #74)
Commencement Program This is a brown leather-bound program for the 71st Annual Commencement held June 24, 1929, at 10:00 AM at Demonstration Hall (the background of Beaumont Tower is a silver hot-stamp to simulate the sky). The booklet contains the graduation program (beginning with Lantern Night on June 4), names of class officers, various committees and their members, then the names and home towns of all graduates in their various disciplines (Liberal Arts & Business Administration, Applied Science, Engineering, Home Economics, Agriculture & Forestry, Physical Education, and Veterinary Science & Medical Biology). It also contains a name card and onion-skin cover sheet belonging to Miss Ruth Isabelle Osthaus of Newaygo, MI. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. 4½" x 6" Note the established date of 1857, not 1855. Why 1857, not 1855?
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MSC - 1931 (Item #12)
Football ticket stub - Front & back 3¾" x 2" Final score: Both legendary coaches Clarence "Biggie" Munn and Hugh "Duffy" Daugherty coached at Syracuse before coming to Michigan State; Daugherty also played for Syracuse in 1938 and 1939. |
 
MSC - 1932 (Item #99)
Trophy from 1932 Water Carnival - Resurrected for the MSU Sesquicentennial in 2005 after a 36-year hiatus, the Water Carnival was once a huge attraction on campus. Students would construct floats that would drift down the Red Cedar for review by judges. This trophy was awarded to the winners of the Mixed Doubles canoe race, part of the Carnival. "Essex E. P. W. M. #E2678" engraved on bottom. Appears to be made of pewter or equally soft metal. (Approx. 5¼" tall.) |
 
MSC - 1933 (Item #47)
Pennant - Interesting logo, indicating MSC was established in 1857... not 1855. Why 1857, not 1855? |
MSC - 1933 (Item #53)
Pennant - "Established in 1857" |
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MSC (Item #155)
Plaque from what might have been a podium or office door. The back has two threaded receptacles for mounting with screws. Made from a pewter-like material. "Kinney Co., Providence, RI, Pattern Number 95" embossed on back. 9½" wide from outside of scalloped edge. |
 
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MSC - 1938 (Item #82)
Football ticket stub - Front & back 4¼" x 2¼" Final score: Hugh "Duffy" Daugherty played for Syracuse this day; Clarence "Biggie" Munn was Syracuse's coach. Both would later become legendary coaches at MSC. |
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MSC - 1939 (Item #36)
Student Activity Pass - Admitted student to any basketball game in Fall Term 1939. This pass was the 11th in a book containing several passes for basketball. Approx. 2½" x 3½" |
 
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MSC - 1945 (Item #184)
Football ticket stub MSC lost 27-7 to Great Lakes Naval Training Station (Illinois). Section G in 1945 is about Section 8 today. 4" x 2½" |
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MSC - 1948 (Item #170)
Game program for first game played at Macklin Field, September 25, 1948. Michigan beat MAC 13-7. Macklin is MSU's winningest coach by percentage (85.3%). Macklin Field would later be renamed Spartan Stadium.
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MSC - 1949 (Item #26)
Plate - Made by Vernon Kilns, USA (front and back). Front shows various MSC landmarks: Jenison Gymnasium (now called Jenison Fieldhouse), Macklin Stadium (now called Spartan Stadium), Student Union Building, The Spartan Statue, Beaumont Tower, Agricultural Engineering Building, Berkey Hall, Physics Building. Green on white. 10½" diameter
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MSC - 1949 (Item #27)
Ashtray - Made by Vernon Kilns, USA. Front shows same images as plate (above). Back shows only name of manufacturer. Red on white. 6" diameter
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MSC - 1950 (Item #52)
Football ticket stub - Front & back 4" x 2" Final score: Season record: 8-1 (only loss was to Maryland)
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MSC - 1952 (Item #183)
Sidelines Pass for Football MSC beat Notre Dame 21-3 this day, part of their perfect 9-0-0 season and their second National Championship in football under legendary head coach Clarence "Biggie" Munn. This pass allowed access to the sidelines, probably for a team member, member of the news media or other game personnel. Bottom portion is perforated, suggesting that MSC would collect that portion for recordkeeping. But this pass is intact, suggesting it was unused. 4¾" tall. Heavy card stock. Back is blank. |
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MSC - 1950s (Item #72)
Button - Gold-colored button with loop on back, for a sports coat. Text is embossed. ¾" diameter
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MSC - 1950s (Item #24)
Milk bottles - Quart, pint, half pint glass milk bottles Text is embossed (painted green to enhance visibility in photo; filled with styrofoam pellets to simulate milk).
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MSC - 1950s (Item #70)
Milk bottle caps for MSC Dairy products (2" diameter) |
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MSC - 1950s (Item #55) Lapel pin - 1¼" diameter; football is 1" long |
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MSC - 1950s (Item #63)
Lapel pin - 2¼" diameter; football is 1" long |
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MSC - 1950s (Item #87)
Matchbook from MSC Union. No matches inside. Made by The Ohio Match Co., Wadsworth, OH. 1½" x 2"
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MSC - 1950s (Item #45)
Matchbook - Image of Beaumont Tower on back. Full book of 20 unused matches. Made by The Ohio Match Co., Wadsworth, OH. (1½" x 2") |
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MSC - 1950s (Item #11)
Celluloid button - Significance of the "W" is unknown. 1" diameter |
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MSC - 1950s (Item #17)
Paperweight - Top is embossed image of President Lincoln; bottom shows MSC monogram-style logo 3" diameter; ½" thick base |
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MSC - 1950s (Item #146)
China sandwich plate - Used in dorms. MSC logo in dark green with green trim. Made by Shenango in New Castle, PA. 8½" diameter.
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MSC - 1950s (Item #142)
China coffee service - Used in dorms. MSC logo in dark green with green trim (creamer has just the green trim). Made by Shenango in New Castle, PA. Cup is 3" tall with 3½" diameter mouth; saucer is 5¼" diameter; creamer is 2¼" tall.
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MSC - 1950s (Item #144)
China fruit bowl and sandwich plate - Used in dorms. MSC logo in dark green with green trim. Made by Shenango in New Castle, PA. Bowl is 1¼" deep with 4¾" diameter; plate is 6½" diameter.
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MSC - 1954 (Item #154)
Pennant from MSC's first appearance in the Rose Bowl. Final score: 1953 season record: 9-1 (last year for
Clarence "Biggie" Munn as head coach) 28" long |
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MSC - 1954 (Item #68)
Lapel pin from MSC's first appearance in the Rose Bowl. Final score: 1953 season record: 9-1 (last year for
Clarence "Biggie" Munn as head coach) 1¾" diameter, with straight pin fastener |
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MSC - 1955 (Item #185)
First Day of Issue: 2/12/55 - Envelope with a canceled 3-cent postage stamp featuring the two pioneer Land-Grant colleges, MSC and Pennsylvania State University (MSC beat Penn State by 10 days!). The "Greetings" card in the envelope explained why the Land-Grant college system was so importrant. It is signed in original ink by "Walter." My guess is this is MSU Distinguished Professor Walter Adams who also served as economics advisor to US Presidents Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Lyndon Johnson.
My thanks to Bev Stafford of Muskegon, MI, for donating this item to the collection. Thanks Bev! |
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MSC - 1955 (Item #18)
First Day of Issue: 2/12/55 - Envelope with a canceled 3-cent postage stamp featuring the two pioneer Land-Grant colleges, MSC and Pennsylvania State University (MSC beat Penn State by 10 days!) |
 
First Day of Issue: 2/12/55 - Envelope with a canceled 3-cent postage stamp featuring the two pioneer Land-Grant colleges, MSC and Pennsylvania State University. Interestingly, the caption under the Beaumont Tower artwork says, "Michigan's Beaumont Tower"... not "Michigan State's Beaumont Tower." OOPS! |
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MSC - 1955 (Item #28) First Day of Issue: 2/12/55 - This is a card with the canceled 3-cent MSC/PSU postage stamp. February 12, 1955, was exactly 100 years after MSU was founded. |
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MSC - 1955 (Item #16)
Paperweight / Commemorative Medallion - Reverse side has a quote from Abraham Lincoln, "It is for us the living... to be dedicated here to the unfinished work..." 3" diameter, ½" thick |
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1955 |
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MSU (Item #25)
1960s Quart, amber quart (rare!), gallon glass milk bottles ACL (Applied Colored Label). Filled with styrofoam pellets to simulate milk.
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MSU - 1965 (Item #121)
Brass medallion commemorating MSU's 1965 National Championship in football. The perfect 10-0 season was blemished only by a 14-12 loss to UCLA in the January 1966 Rose Bowl. Interestingly, this medallion was struck before the Rose Bowl. There is room for the Rose Bowl score, but it does not appear. |
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MSU - 1966 (Item #169)
Game program for what would later be called "The Game of the Century," the infamous 10-10 tie when Notre Dame chose to "tie one for the Gipper." Played November 19, 1966 at MSU. |
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MSU - 2000 (Item #37)
NCAA Basketball Final ticket stub Final score: MSU 89, Florida 76 MSU's second national basketball title featured outstanding play by Mateen Cleaves, Morris Peterson and A.J. Granger. |
 
MSU - 2005 (Item #71)
Pictorial Cancellation Commemorative Envelope with sesquicentennial cancellation of stamp, designed by MSU employee Nancy Aitcheson. Despite MSU celebrating the founding of MAC on February 11 (perhaps to coincide with the inauguration of Dr. Lou Anna K. Simon as MSU's 20th president), the correct day was February 12, as evidenced by this document produced and marketed by MSU's Mail Processing Unit. Standard #10 size full-color soft-gloss envelope, 9½" x 4". |
