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Preserving the Nest: Inside the Endicott Archives

From vintage dance cards and film reels to handwritten letters and campus traditions, the Endicott Archives preserve nearly nine decades of Gull history.

By Endicott College

May 12^th, 2026

Hidden inside the Endicott College Archives, decades of history come to life through dance cards, film reels, photographs, letters, and memorabilia. Preserved in Halle Library, these artifacts capture the traditions, milestones, and student experiences that helped shape Endicott College from 1939 to today.

“The Endicott College Archives serve as a vital and living collective memory that preserves the spirit of Endicott for future generations.”

-Brian Courtemanche, Halle Library Director

Preserving the Nest: Inside the Endicott Archives

Clockwise from left:

1) Fencing swords that were used by students circa the 1940s and 50s.

2) A set of skis from the 1950s, when Endicott women hit the slopes through the Ski Club both on and off campus.

3) Back in the 1960s, Gulls had to pick a sport—and yes, archery was one of the options.

4) An Endicott megaphone. While we’re represented by the blue and green today, the College’s main colors were once red and silver. This was decided in 1939 by Eleanor Tupper. This megaphone can be traced back to the early days of Endicott, circa the 1940s and 50s.

5) Tennis rackets, most likely used by the Endicott tennis team, in the 1940s-1950s.

Above: Versions of The Endicott Review from 2006 and 2008, featuring student creative writing and artwork. The publication is still produced today.

“The archives do more than just store yesteryear’s records; they document the evolving ‘Endicott story’ across its remarkable 87-year journey—from our founding as a pioneering women’s junior college in 1939 to our current standing as a thriving, comprehensive doctoral-granting institution.”

-Brian Courtemanche

Top to Bottom, Left to Right:

1) Endicott’s first-year budget, 1939 to 1940, shows just $2,045.53 for equipment (office, classroom, and more) and $3,094.90 for food.

2) This 1961 Spring Formal dance card, themed “Swinging on a Rainbow,” comes from a time when dances were some of the biggest events on campus, even bringing in students from nearby colleges like Harvard for the celebration.

3) This musical record houses the voices of the Endicott community, with its year still a mystery, called “You’re A Star On The Endicott Walk of Fame.”

4) A 1939 letter documenting the official use of the Endicott name.

5) A poster for a Daniel Sklar production, year unknown, featuring the Endicott Players. A creative writing professor at Endicott, he began in 1987 and recently retired after 37 years.

6) A 1964 dance card from Winter Carnival Weekend, themed “Moods in Emerald.”

Above: A 1987 photo of Dr. Richard E. Wylie at his Presidential Inauguration, marking the start of his leadership from 1987 to 2018.

“By safeguarding everything from vintage photographs and student publications to administrative blueprints and personal correspondence, the archives bridge the gap between the visionary legacy of the past and the ambitious momentum of the present.”

-Brian Courtemanche

Pictured Above:

1&3) Film rolls from 1974 and 1975 featuring Eleanor Tupper and her family, the founder whose vision shaped Endicott into what it is today.

2&4) Film reels from the early days of Endicott Junior College in 1943.

Top to Bottom, Left to Right:

1-2) A 1966 film reel of Endicott’s Concert Chorale performing at Pops.

3-4) A letter from Eleanor Tupper to Judith B. Hale in 1966 (yes, that Hale Street). Also, a recording of the said program Tupper is referring to in her message.

Top to Bottom, Left to Right:

1) A set of pins from 1966.

2-3) Charms for a bracelet from 1966.

4) Necklaces with the old Endicott crest and colors, circa 1960s-70s.

5) These 1964 pins feature “25,” most likely marking Endicott’s 25th anniversary.

6) A set of pins from 1966.

7) A 1956 charm bracelet set featuring tennis, cooking, and more, a snapshot of student life at the time.

Above:

1) This Endicott commemorative plate dates back to before the 1980s.

2) A holiday keepsake of Tupper Manor, this ornament’s year remains unknown.

Above: A plethora of recipe cards, dating from the 1940s and 1950s, perhaps used in Endicott cooking classes.

“Ultimately, these collections ensure that campus milestones, traditions, and personal narratives remain accessible, allowing the Endicott College community to look back with pride while drawing inspiration for the chapters of our College yet to be written.”

-Brian Courtemanche

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