Dec. 12, 1934
In an amusing turn of events, librarians at Scholastica were left utterly astonished when students returned books adorned with unexpected bookmarks—kitchen utensils! From manicure scissors to pencils and even long chains of safety pins, this quirky trend had already made its mark. However, the pièce de résistance was a delightful $25 check nestled between two pages of a book, bringing a smile to the faces of hardworking librarians. Who knew returning books could come with such surprises?
Dec. 15, 1937
With only “seven shopping days until Christmas” left on the clock, Scholastica students scrambled for inspiration for quick and easy gifts. But fear not! Sheila Shops had a treasure trove of last-minute delights just waiting for the frazzled shopper. For Mom, consider a chic “celluloid box,” perfect for storing her favorite shoes, hats, flowers, or any trinket her heart desires. Dad will appreciate a sleek chromium-trimmed desk set, or perhaps a stylish “fitted toilet case in luxurious pigskin”—definitely an… interesting twist. Sisters and friends can be pampered with delicate chiffon handkerchiefs, cozy wool lounging slippers, or elegant satin scarves that scream sophistication. And let’s not forget about the little ones: a simple, entertaining game will surely bring smiles to Kid Brother and Kid Sister. With these thoughtful gifts from Sheila Shops, you’ll be the hero of the holiday season, even at the last minute!
Dec. 8, 1978
Scholastica students came together for a vibrant celebration of Human Rights Week from December 10 to 15, marking the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The week was packed with enlightening activities aimed at raising awareness and fostering support for human rights. One of the standout moments was on Tuesday, when students engaged in a thought-provoking role-playing session in the Student Union, diving deep into the experiences of individuals facing crises and highlighting the stark differences in treatment between men and women. The excitement continued on Thursday with a powerful film screening in the Student Union that shed light on the heartbreaking realities of government abuses of human rights in Latin America. This week not only honored the rights of all individuals but also encouraged meaningful conversations and reflections on our collective responsibility to uphold them.
Dec. 2, 1979
Late at night on December 2, 1979, a fire broke out in Somer’s Hall, prompting an urgent evacuation of its dorm residents. The drama began when a fluorescent light in the ground-floor hallway suddenly burnt out around 8 p.m., igniting surrounding wires and insulation. As the smoke began to fill the building, students were rushed outside—though some initially mistook the chaos for a routine fire drill. The swift response of the Duluth Fire Department brought the situation under control, extinguishing the flames before they could escalate. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, and the damage was surprisingly minimal, totaling just $50.
Dec. 7, 2018
In an inspiring move towards sustainability, student Reid Peterson launched an initiative titled “Creating a Greener CSS,” highlighting the pervasive issue of plastic straws and bags on campus. Rallying support from the Earth Action Club and the newly-formed Sustainability Sub-Committee within the Student Senate, Peterson and fellow students were determined to spark a crucial conversation about reducing reliance on disposable plastics. Their mission embodied the Benedictine value of stewardship, aiming to cultivate a more environmentally conscious community. Together, they paved the way for a more sustainable future at CSS.
Script art/Allison Repensky