Living in a College Town

[coriolis]

I lived in State College, PA for about 10 years after I graduated from Penn State. State college is different from most places in that the entire town is about 40,000 people, and 25,000 of them are students. The entire town is single mindedly Penn State! Unlike Philadelphia, with probably a dozen universities that get lost in the bigger city. It was a great place you a young single person making good money as a beginning professional. Back then there were still hippies, struggling artists, street preachers, and just about any kind of person you'd want to find. Partying was big and public drunkeness was tolerated, sort of.

But anyway, it was a happening place then. But I definitely wouldn't want to raise a family there now. I get back about 2 times a year, and each time, there's a lot that's changed. There is always something new getting built and real estate is going out of sight.

I was there last week and it warmed my heart to see some guys playing bongo drums and hackey sack at "the wall."

Anyone else live or lived in a college town? Any good stories to tell?

[Miss Mary]

Ed, my husband graduated from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. He loved his 4 years there. His brother followed, he also loved OU. We hope Nina will be accepted into their Journalism Program this fall, for 2005. We've hiked in the surrounding area, called Hocking Hills, since before she was born! We've joked we just may retire there and Jim could teach a class or two. He went into the family business, not his intended major, which is music. He's attended a few music workshops there over the years, so it's possible. I joke I could open up a boutique. LOL What does Nina say? "Just wait until I graduate before you move there!!!!".

I know I'd be happy there, it's just a quaint, cobble stone lined street type town. The campus dates back to 1803. I'm sure it has it's ups and downs, but we still love Athens!

Mary

[azskyman]

I'm 20 minutes up the freeway from Arizona State University, but that is technically in Tempe, Arizona. And you would hardly call any big city a "college town," but it does have a different air about it when students are back in town.

Ed, last time I was in State College, my wife and I stayed at the Nittany Lion Inn! That place still there?

I see Penn State's Weather World TV program is finally coming to an end. They had quite a run over the years.

[Skywatch_NC]

I was only a newborn...but did live for a year in my birthplace city of Anderson, IN (where my parents both attended Anderson U.) a church-founded college. Dad graduated from there...but Mom didn't. Anyway, in later years while growing up...it was always fun to see the grandparents and other relatives most every summer and walk around the campus...attend a campmeeting service...see the various campmeeting exhibits, etc. For awhile my Mom and an aunt were in charge of a large table of items that came in from around the country and world...souvenirs and other items inside this huge tent that was full of exhibits. The money went towards the church international convention and the university. I remember one time I bought a container of Mt. St. Helen's ash someone from Washington state had brought by to sell.

We'd also attend a homecoming weekend every so often w/ watching the homecoming parade, seeing the A.U. Ravens vs. their opponent in a football game and then at night go and see a Cheap Thrills variety show at the university gym.

My sister Retha graduated from A.U. in 1986, too.

Eric

[coriolis]

Hey Steve, I believe that the N.L.I. is still there. I go pick up my kids from summer camp tomorrow, and I'll check.

Too bad about weather world. I knew Paul Knight personally from church. He's a gem.

[petal*pusher]

Had to laugh at this phrase Coriolis.....

"Back then there were still hippies, struggling artists, street preachers, and just about any kind of person you'd want to find."

My 26 yr. old daughter recently moved back to Ann Arbor, Mi. (45 min. from me)....and all the above still can be found there!! It's a wonderful town full of great diversity! Colorful people that can dress ANY way can be found there....it's a bustling college town. I love visiting! Walking down the street with my grey hair up in a tidy bun next to my daughter's friend sporting a red mowhawk is a real hoot!! Fantastic little stores and restaurants are everywhere........someday, when I grow up, I'd like to live there!

When she was in Portland, Oregon.....the older section reminded me a lot of Ann Arbor.....another beautiful spot!.......p

[azskyman]

Hi again Ed...yes let me know if NLI is still there!

And, by the way, I just sent a check to Paul Knight tonight for my AASC dues (American Association of State Climatologists). Had a chat with him a few weeks back when I learned the show was finally going off the air.

Did you ever know Bob Hart at PSU? He got their website going where you can leave hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, or other observations for others to see from all over the country.

Back to college towns....like petalpusher says, most have a wonderful variety of people..but those weekend bash's would finish me off these days!!!