A. Blair Helman Papers MC2004/306

Manchester College Archives and Brethren Historical Collection

Manchester College Collection

Title:

A. Blair Helman Papers

Subtitle:

Student Unrest--Communication Issues

Number:

MC2004/306

Size/Location:

1 file/Large 157

Citation:

A. Blair Helman Papers: Student Unrest--Communication Issues , MC2004/306, Archives and Brethren Historical Collection, Funderburg Library, Manchester College, North Manchester, Indiana.

Access and Reproduction:

Researchers are responsible for determining copyright status of archived materials where this is relevant to their intended use of the materials.

Provenance:

A. Blair Helman

Date of Accession:

August 2002

Biographical/Historical Note:

A. Blair Helman, Manchester College President Emeritus, served as president from 1956-1986.

On 13 May 1969, a mass marriage ceremony and tent-in took place on the Manchester College campus. The purpose was to initiate a "change in attitude...tak[ing] the form of students assuming freedom and responsibility in determining the direction of their lives."

Scope and Content Note:

Brochure advertising mass marriage ceremony and tent-in, 13 May 1969.	"The mass marriage is a symbol of the creation of a new relationship which we feel we need to declare and initiate between the college and the students."
2 letters criticizing the tent-in, dated 14 May and 17 May 1969.	Excerpts: "Manchester College is a Christian College, such a 'tent-in' would be a disgrace to the Brethren church." "We feel [the students] are totally unjustified in causing a disturbance over such small matters as housing off-campus."
Flyer from Community Council Committee on Student Involvement, undated.	Excerpt: "Attempts should be made to transform our 'toy government' into a viable Student Government."
Memo to President Helman from R. V. Bollinger, dated 21 May 1969.	Regarding "Communication Among Students and Administrative Officers."

Description prepared 7 March 2004 and last updated 07 March 2004 by Sara L. Smith