WHEN WE WERE NORMAL
A Historical Augmented Reality Walking Tour
From the Military to the Industrial Arts Workshops
LOCATION: BY SANDERS 204
William Sanders made Fitchburg State the perfect place for World War II veterans looking to transition back to civilian life. He created veteran housing that was comfortable and affordable and expanded academic programming that took advantage of the skills they developed in the military.
During the war male enrollment had dropped drastically. In order to make up for the low attendance, the school implemented a co-educational plan that allowed women to enroll in the Industrial Arts program. But college attendance boomed after World War II was over.
Sanders knew there would be a teacher shortage especially in the Industrial Arts. With a 34% increase in enrollment in 1945 alone and eleven veterans enrolling under the GI Bill, Sanders arranged to move prefabricated housing from South Portland, Maine to house the surge of students.
Veterans coming home with experience in military service and war production industries could further their knowledge at Fitchburg State College. In 1957 the college became the only institution in Massachusetts to offer a baccalaureate in Industrial Arts. Today the Industrial Arts department continues to produce many graduates eager and able to find careers around the country.