Life Goes On

The onset of the Great Depression changed all Americans expectations of society. With increasing unemployment, many Americans who had been financially stable, were now dealing with poverty. College students in this era were often from privileged families, but many did have to work to help pay expenses. Some Wilson girls had financial support from the college and from relatives. The Depression left some, but not all of these girls with a new sense of responsibility.

Many students developed an interest in the broader world while at college. Students were exposed to new ideas and different perspectives. Guest lecturers and the College newspaper, The Billboard, discussed international events and show that Wilson was not trying to shield students from the harsh realities of potential war or financial instability.  These students were not just engaging in foreign affairs discussions, but they were involved in issues in their own community. Wilson College’s student organization, Wilson Community Service Association (W.C.S.A) was active when it came to social work. From helping children in hospitals, to Girl Scouts and nursing homes, these girls were invovled in their community and many continued this work as volunteers in their communities and churches and in their professions.

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     ^{1. Olive Hammer to Mrs. Hammer, May 29, 1934, in Dearest Family: The Letters of Olive Walmsley Hammer, A Freshman at Wilson College. (Philadelphia, PA: Oshiver Studio Press, 1934).}