Activism

"I hadn't been serving, but I could serve."
Helen Frost, The Normal School Recorder, May 1918

The St. Cloud Normal School student's response was not only related to conservation efforts during the war, but also in connection to another area of war support. Many students took an active interest in supporting the war effort through activism. A series of volunteer organizations began to emerge nationwide, most notably the Red Cross, that promoted by the idea that everyone was responsible for helping with the war effort and doing their bit. Students on campus chose to "do their bit" in a variety of ways.

Producing Items

One of the activist activities that was present here on campus was the production of items by students that could be used to assist with the war effort. Students sewed and knitted children’s clothing, socks, winter apparel and gear, and bandages for those affected by the war in Europe as well as for American soldiers. There were even several rooms set aside in Old Main specifically for the production of items to be made that students, student organizations, and classes could work on to assist in the war effort.

Financial Responsibility

Many students also assumed financial responsibility for supporting the war effort as well. Students participated in, organized, and attended events that were designed to benefit the YMCA and the Red Cross. Students were even able to raise enough money to purchase a Liberty Bond in the name of the St. Cloud Normal School. The School took a leadership role in the St. Cloud community in this sense - students used the surrounding community to both financially promote and sponsor these campus events, including participating in and supporting the School's war efforts.

Volunteerism

Throughout this exhibit, students participated in a wide variety of activities to support the war effort. It is important to realize that all of the roles that students took on were as volunteers to "do their bit" for the war effort. It was not because they were being compensated for their time and hard work, or being legally required to do so.

"A Tribute to the St. Cloud Normal School"

Start the player below to hear a recording of Normal School student Alice Henderson's article "A Tribute to the St. Cloud Normal School" in the Normal School Recorder's April 1918. Jacobson discussed the multiple ways in which the school was involved in the war effort.

"Why Teach?"

Start the player below to hear a recording of Normal School professor Dr. Magnusson's article "Why Teach?" Normal School Recorder's March 1918 issue. Dr. Magnusson discussed how becoming a teacher, and educating children and their nation, was now a patritotic duty.

To learn more about how students felt about the war, and why they were willing to do the many things they did, follow the pageant link to learn more about the patriotic pageant that was written and performed at the Normal School.