"Let school-masters their brain
puzzle
With grammar, and nonsense and learning; Good liquor, I stoutly maintain Gives genius a better discerning. Oliver Goldsmith In December of 1969
history
made
was
on
the
cam
pus of the University of Rhode Island. Students were allowed to drink on the college grounds. The R.I. Me
morial Union marked the spot. Those responsible for the organizing of this newly established drinking spot gathered behind the bar and quaffed the first mugs of beer drawn. Pictures were taken, good spirits pre vailed, happiness surrounded all and the next day there they were on the center fold of the New
Daily News. History had been written. For the drinking was allowed on a Land Grant Col in New England. Everything was wonderful! lege
the acceptance by those who was and those who were skeptical at the start. Never once had there been an altercation; never once had there been a disorder of any kind even dur ing the nation wide student "strike;" never once had the students given anyone cause to gripe about the Pub; never once did the police have to be called. In deed one would hardly believe that the place existed at ail from this point of view. I constantly invited peo
My final task
objected
and see for themselves and they their satisfaction, I urged the June graduates to bring their parents to visit the Pub on the parents Commencement Day and they did were gratified and some were even envious, for they to visit the Pub
York
ple
first time
have
But alas! All that
gold. Behind the anguish from the local surrounding townspeople, the local police and even scenes
there
were
glitters
is not
cries of
campus authorities who
some
were
all
quite
certain
that this type of freedom for the students would lead to "beaucoup" trouble. At this time there were prob a handful of people who really believed that this venture would not only succeed but would even I was the manager. prove to be an asset. I was one The students themselves had a hand in my hiring and I was quite sure that they would not let me down, and of course, I was certain that I would not let them
much
to
the summer session a offered by URI to Officers of the Law and the state. from all over They spent many they came happy hours in the Pub themselves as summer stu dents. I am positive that they were satisfied that this
were
URI
graduates. During
course was
was a
move
in the
right direction.
ably only
down.
My greatest concern was discipline during Remembering my own college days I
hours.
that
no one
likes to be TOLD
power of
so
I decided to
business
realized use the
suggestion. It worked like magic! It was unbelieveable how the students responded! The deco rum was maintained at a high level and their attitude was splendid. I really marveled at the "bearded won ders," the "moustached bad actors," the long-haired "trouble makers," and the mini-skirted hip swinging Co-eds. Upon entering the Pub they all acted like the ladies and gentlemen that they really are. I have found that if the so-called adults of today would try to remember their own youth they would understand today's youth better for today's youth are no differ ent from the youths of 10, 15, 20, or 30 years ago. The only actual difference is the circumstances which surround their lives today. I have often said, "The biggest lie that was ever told is 'I never did that when I
"
was
your
age!'
Needless been
to say,
the Pub is
This has been
a
now
a
success
and has
the
majority as a "good thing." major breakthrough in student rela
accepted by
tions and the students have
no
one
to
thank other
They drink less, enjoy it more and even get better grades in some instances. The vast majority are thankful for this new found privilege and they guard it carefully. than themselves.
Happiness to me is a thing called appreciation. An example: On April 12, 1970 I opened the Pub as usual. I received a phone call from the business office on the first floor requesting my assistance in solving a slight problem which they felt I could help. Since there were only 2 or 3 students in the Pub at the time I decided to leave for a few minutes and help if I could. I hadn't been gone for more than 5 minutes when I received an emergency call to return to the Pub. My first reaction was "My God!, The first time I leave for 5 minutes and there's trouble all our hard work gone up in smoke!" Down the stairs I ran and jerked open the doors of the Pub. There was a group of students blowing horns, throwing streamers, and acting as if it were New Year's Eve. I immediate
ly decided that the best way to handle this situation would be to join them and then suggest that we "cool