Remembering the GI Bulge:
Alumni Remember the GI Bulge Years
One of the goals of this exhibit is to open up the University's memory banks and collect oral, written and photographic history to help us better document the post-WWII years at Syracuse University. The Archives was very fortunate to immediately latch on to several alumni who were willing to share their memories. Those alumni are featured on the Veterans Share Their Memories page. However, after the exhibit was mounted, other alumni came forward with archival materials. They are featured below.
Check back often as we add more alumni memories.
Louise loaned her extensive photograph album covering the years 1946 to 1950. Some of the photographs are shown.
Sims Hall before the dining facility was built
Sims Hall after the dining hall was built; Note the temporary metal building at the right
Sims Dining Hall - interior shot
Trenches dug for the temporary housing behind Holden Observatory (in its pre-Eggers Hall location)
Construction of the temporary buildings behind Crouse College
Temporary housing units west of Crouse College down the hill towards Irving Avenue
George F. McPhillips '49
George generously donated his photographs (with captions) representing life in the Syracuse University's trailer park at Drumlins.
Circa 1947 - Margaret and Peg Rizzo. Peg...air out cushions from trailer!
Nice clothes line! Pre dryer days I do believe!
Circa 1947 - Margaret and George - Nice saddle shoes!
Circa 1947 - Drumlins University "Trailer Park" Margaret in dark jacket and George standing
Circa 1947 - The telephone booth was the only one in the trailer park. It was virtually in front of our trailer. Mel Rizzo in foreground with his dog. Wife Peg in background - they must have been rich since they had a white fence and a dog!
Joseph Bongo '49 & '60
The influx of GI's into the Syracuse University ranks made its presence felt both in the classrooms and on the sporting fields; with Joe it was in the boxing ring
Caption: Orange Bowl for Orange Boxers. Members of the Syracuse University glove team who will compete against the University of Miami Tuesday in the Southland are, left to right: Captain Gerry AuClair, Walter Bowe, Al Sauerwein, Joe Bongo, Dick Prussin, Julian LeVine, Ray Fine and Len Lustick. The squad, with Coach Roy Simmons in charge, leaves the city tomorrow by plane for the scene of action
Joe was able to participate at Syracuse through the GI Bill after completion of his service in the United States Navy.
After college, the former navy man and collegiate boxer went on to blaze a career locally in educational administration
"Joe Bongo scored a victory over Clarence Tannell, 1946 eastern intercollegiate champion in 145 lb. class, as Syracuse mitmen defeated Coast Guard, 9 to 1"
Joe (left) leaves Syracuse University, but remembers alma mater through his numerous returns to support Syracuse University's boxing program