Library News & Events

This is our final Flashback Friday of the 2023-2024 academic year! Do you remember doing summer reading in middle school? Don't worry, we aren't assigning any summer reading. However, we'd like you to check out these archived rubber stamps that were once used at Shafer Library. Before computers printed labels to keep track of our print materials, librarians used ink stamps to mark ownership of books. Each stamp represented a different department of the library (Archives, Curriculum Materials Center, and Shafer Library), and were used on print materials. We don't know how long ago these stamps were made, but were used before Findlay College became the University of Findlay (before 1989). These stamps show how the library organized materials to meet the needs of courses, faculty, and staff.

We hope you all enjoyed our Flashback Friday posts this year, and have a wonderful summer!

Shafer Library Rubber Stamps (pre-1989)

Underside of Stamps

As commencement approaches for our graduating seniors, this week's Flashback Friday commemorates the Class of 1894. The University of Findlay (then Findlay College) started out as a small institution with very few students. The Class of 1894 (photograph below) was only 8 students, and graduated from Findlay College 130 years ago. Could you imagine being in a class size that small? UF has certainly grown since then, with over 4,000 total students enrolled at the university.

Tune in on May 3rd for our final Flashback Friday of the 2023-2024 academic year!

Official Photograph, Class of 1894

Happy Friday, Oilers! This week, let's go back 20 years and recognize our student athletes. Specifically, we'd like to showcase our women's volleyball and basketball teams from 2004. Photos like this would typically be featured in the yearbook, but the university ceased yearbook publications in 1997. How do the uniforms compare to the ones you see on our athletic teams today?

If you know the names of any of those pictured, we would love to know! Please email the library at library@findlay.edu.

UF Women's Volleyball Team (2004)

Women's Basketball Team (2004)

Do you remember shopping for school supplies in elementary school, and the long list of items you needed for your classes? A ruler is a common item on school supply lists, and UF has their very own! Check out the photos below of an official University of Findlay ruler. It is a foot long and only measures in inches. The phone number featured on the item is still the official phone number for the Office of Admissions, so this means the ruler was likely made in the past 20 years. We don't know the origins of this item, but we can guess that it was either sold at the campus bookstore, or was given to prospective students during recruiting events. Would you include this bright orange ruler in your school supplies?

University of Findlay Ruler (n.d.)

Back of Ruler

International Night 2024 is approaching, and the University Archives has a fair share of photographs from the popular event! International Night is an annual event held on UF's campus, and it is a celebration of cultures with food, dancing, and cultural performances. It is typically held during the spring semester in March or April. There is no date associated with these photographs of International Night, but we can guess that they were taken at International Night in the 1990s or early 2000s. This event has been held in several venues across campus over the years, and this one was specifically held in the Koehler Center (on the large track). It provided a large enough space for tables and booths, activities for attendees, and cultural performances. Shafer Library is excited that International Night will be held again this semester!

If you know any information about these photographs or the dates they were taken, please let us know at library@findlay.edu.

International Night Event Banner (n.d.)

Korea Table (n.d.)

Nepal Table (n.d.)

Germany Table (n.d.)

On January 1st, 2024, the Disney film Steamboat Willie entered the public domain. While other versions of Mickey Mouse are still protected under copyright law, Disney characters remain a popular costume choice for children and adults! Check out the homecoming photo below featuring Findlay College students and their Disney-themed attire. We are unsure of the date, but the outfits provide some context. The Disney characters featured are Dumbo, Jiminy Cricket and Pinnochio, Dopey from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Mickey Mouse. Their outfits also represent Delta Zeta, a sorority on campus at the time. How do these compare to the Disney costumes of today?

If you have any additional information about this photograph, please share it with us! Send us an email at library@findlay.edu.

Disney Homecoming Photograph, Delta Zeta (n.d.)