1924 The Debating Union sponsors a discussion of the resolution “That Harvard is, and should continue to be, indifferent.” The vote from the floor at the close of the meeting runs 30-3 in favor of the statement that Harvard is indifferent, 34-9 in favor of the idea that it should be.

1934 A Crimson poll of faculty and students reveals sentiments approaching two to one against New Deal policies.

1939 The American Independence League, dedicated to keeping the United States out of the European war, has one of its largest chapters at Harvard, where more than 700 students are members.

1949 Brand-new ashtrays on tables signal that smoking is now permitted in all but the west end of Widener’s main reading room. Librarians explain that the departure of undergraduates to Lamont has made it possible to ventilate the area and thus permit readers to light up.

Illustration by Mark Steele

1954 Harvard announces plans for a new health center on Mount Auburn Street that will offer professional care 24 hours a day, 52 weeks a year.

1959 Harvard refuses more than $350,000 in student-loan money offered by the National Defense Education Act if needy students submit an oath and affidavit both of loyalty and non-Communist affiliation; President Pusey says the demand singles out college students as a group not worthy of the nation’s trust.

1969 More than a thousand students enroll in the seven courses offered by the department of Afro-American studies.

1979 Coming off a dismal 2-6 season, Harvard faces an undefeated Yale team before 72,000 spectators at the Yale Bowl and pulls off a 22-7 rout.

1984 The Faculty of Arts and Sciences reports that the number of tenured women has almost doubled in the past three years, to 21 of 355 senior faculty members (5.9 percent).