Campus Clean Up Day at Butler--1917

Dozens of students and some faculty members gathered after the snow had melted to clean up Butler University's Irvington campus in 1917.  Most of the young people were clad in what we would deem formal attire.  They picked up trash, sawed tree limbs, and moved soil.  These rare photographs show the campus, and in a few of the images you can see some of the homes along South Emerson Avenue.  A large beech tree had fallen and served as the perfect place to perch for a photo.  All of the images came from the collection of David Bailey, who has been generous with his scrapbooks and memories. Mr. Bailey grew up along South Emerson and is passionate about history.  Be sure to examine the details in each photo.

Spring Clean-Up Day on Butler University's campus in 1917

Moving soil and leaves on Butler University's campus in 1917

Gathering for spring clean-up on Butler University's campus in 1917

Friends gather on spring clean-up day in 1917 on Butler's campus

Time to clean up the campus at Butler University in 1917

Break time at Butler University's campus in 1917

Helping the ladies at Butler University's campus in 1917.  Note the homes along South Emerson behind the co-eds.  

Perched upon a fallen tree at Butler University's campus in 1917

Prepared to dig at Butler University's campus in 1917

Climbing a fallen tree at Butler University's campus in 1917.