JCCC Archives presents the Sleuthing Series, where every Tuesday, we bring you an image from our past and ask you to help us find out more!
What We Know
- The first “picnic” (of which we can find record) was held, off-campus, on August 21, 1972. The next was September 21, 1973, in the same location. Both were advertised as an “all college get acquainted picnic.” Attendees were asked to bring their “whole family” and food was served.
- According to newsletters, JCCC was designated the fourth largest community college in the state prior to the opening of classes in 1969. By the same time in 1970, JCCC was designated as the largest community college in the state. This brings us to the first question about “what we don’t know.” (see below)
- The next record of a picnic we find is “JCCC’s Annual Super Staff Picnic,” held Friday, August 22, 1980 in the College Commons Area. Replies were to be sent to Betty Rush (administrative secretary), 113 GEB (President’s Office). “Family and guests are welcome.” As with the 1972 and 1973 picnics, no photos have been identified.
- There was an “old-fashioned” “All-Staff Picnic,” on Wednesday, August 17, 1983. This announcement included a reply card to be sent to Staff Development. Staff were allowed to bring unlimited family members. Single staff could bring one guest. The exact location was not mentioned in this announcement.
- The next recorded Staff Picnic was on Friday, September 11, 1992, and the next was Friday, September 9, 1994. After this, we have announcements of Staff Picnics every year, on a Friday evening, usually capping off orientation week.
- ADDENDUM – We discovered some interesting slides from the first picnics! They have been added as the first seven images below.
What We Don’t Know
- Were these always strictly for faculty and staff, or were students (even the community) also welcome to attend? After all, this was already the largest community college in the state?
- According to Charles Bishop, the Office of Staff Development was not organized until 1983. Who actually organized the first picnics?
- Do you have any announcements or photos for picnics in the 1970s and 1980s (other than those mentioned here)? If Archives doesn’t have them, it is because no one thought to donate them?
- What is the most humerous or enjoyable picnic event you remember?
- Did you meet anyone for the first time at one of these picnics and still know them as a friend or colleague today?
- Do you have a picnic memory you want to share?
If You Know More…
Contact librarians: Anita Gordon Gilmore (agordong@jccc.edu, ext. 4369) or John Russell (jrussell@jccc.edu, ext. 3284). You may also comment below!
For More Information…
From: Habtamu Oda
Sent: Monday, September 9, 2019 6:23 AM
To: Anita Gordon-Gilmore
Cc: Daniel Woldetsadik ; Faye Martin
Subject: FW: 01259uu-1024×767[1].jpg
Good morning Anita: my name is Habtamu K. Oda and I work in the Housekeeping department as a Lead person. As you can see bellow, one of our friend (co-worker), Faye Martin saw this picture in the lists of pictures and let us know about it. Daniel is also a Lead person in the Housekeeping department. These two young men are our Children. My child, the one on the right hand side, close to the pink balloon and wear the T-shirt with a red color around his neck & arm. His name is MISGANA HABTAMU KELECHA. The other one is Daniel A. Woldetsadik’s son. His name is YITIBARAC DANIEL WOLDESSADIK. Now, they are grownup and following their dreams in life. Yitibarac is serving in the US Navy and Misgana is taking class at KU to become an IT person. Just in case, if I misspell Yitibarac’s name please check with his dad – Daniel at ex 3101 after 2:00 pm or on his cell phone 913-499-9495.
Thank you,