By Shannon Zeltmann, Staff Writer
This week in 1939, the town and college celebrated National Book Week. President Henry Hanson was going to be the main speaker on the first day of the event at the Gettysburg Court House. Other speakers included the librarian of Pennsylvania State College and the Hanover Public librarian. The college was also going to have a few short theatre productions, along with an essay contest for students. There would also be decorations in the reading room.
This week in 1949, students heard the call of “sandwiches, milk, and ice cream” by the “Sandwich Man” Pablo Plastino. During the busy season of tests, paper, and other school work, Plastino brought students snacks to take a break from all their work. He served in the army for two and a half years, and then decided to come to Gettysburg afterwards. He was in Sigma Chi, majored in business administration with a minor in political science, and met his wife on campus. During his sophomore year, he wanted a job and he decided to sell sandwiches like some of his comrades did in the army. People called him ambitious for working 15 hours a day balancing class work, a wife and child, and selling sandwiches.
This week in 1959, the college was getting ready for the third annual three-day Civil War Conference. It was run by the program coordinator, Yale History Professor David Potter, who specialized in southern history and the Civil War. Other notable speakers included William Barringer, Robert Bruce, Richard Current, and William Hesseltine. It began on Nov. 19, the 96th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. The theme of the conference was “Lincoln and the Civil War.” The Civil War Institute at Gettysburg still holds annual conferences during the summer.
