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During the 1930's, the Florida State College for Women experienced many changes in the way of physical expansion. Enrollment increased; by the mid-1930's, FSCW was the third largest women's college in the nation. Campus traditions and behavioral norms changed noticeably.

Just like the rest of the country, FSCW felt the effects of the Great Depression. Rather than purchase aditional land, the administration improved property that the college already owned. Camp Flastacowo, now known as the Seminole Reservation, was a hit with the students. The camp's popularity increased as the Depression deepened and spending money for outside entertainment became more and more curtailed.

With repairs needed all around campus, Business Manager J.G. Kellum took advantage of President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal relief agencies. Renovations on several sections of the Administration Building were approved and completed. In 1938 construction began on a long awaited student activity building. Shortly after its completion, English instructor Rowena Longmire passed away. As founder of the Alumnae Association, Longmire had spoken frequently of the need for such a site, and the college recognized her contributions when it named the building the Rowena Longmire Student Alumnae Building. This was the first building on campus to be named for a faculty member.

Following the growth trend of the first two decades in the 1930s, the college continued to face the challenges brought on by an increase in the number of students. Gilchrist Hall had been completed 1928, when campus residency reached 1,116. With an increase in enrollment during the 1930's , FSCW ranked third in size among U.S. colleges for women. Some students were forced to live off campus because of the housing shortage. In 1938, Legislature granted permission to build another dormitory. Named for Florida Attorney General Cary D. Landis, Landis Hall was a five story U-shaped building that housed 371 women. During the hard times, camaraderie was a much appreciated element at FSCW. In 1938, the studentd formed a marching band named The Tally Troopers. The next year, 39 girls strong, they debuted at the annual Odd/Even Thanksgiving Day contest - one of the popular campus traditions.

By the end of the 1930's behavior once considered improper and even outrageous was thought to be acceptable. Girls dated, danced, and not only rode in automobiles, but also drove them. Campus scholastic organizations reflected varied abilities and ranged from Phi Beta Kappa and Mortar Board to Mortified. Students gathered regularly in their auditorium for Convocation. Odds and Evens, the athletic teams that grew out of Stars and Crescents, created their own "honor societies," Spirogira and Esteren. Traditions such as Torch Night replaced earlier activities, but retained the original purpose of uniting the classes.

Source:

• Sellers, Robin, Ph.D. Femina Perfecta: The Genesis of Florida State University, Tallahassee: The Florida State University Foundation, 1995.