"Dikes are Safe at Present": The 1948 Columbia River Flood and the Destruction of Vanport

Vanport student Bill Karasik's ID card for the 1947-48 school year.

A page from the 1947-48 Student Handbook, describing social events held on campus.

A group pictured at the 1947 Vanport Bachelors' Club dance, enjoying the refreshments.

The (possibly spiked) punch was a hit at the 1947 Winter Formal.

The Student Handbook gave advice for students regarding appropriate dress at dances.

The hosts of a popular annual dance and other social gatherings, the Bachelors' Club, pictured in the 1947-48 Viking.

Masthead from the Bachelors' Club stationery, with the club officers' names and the slogan, "The U by the Slough."

A large number of students living on-campus meant plenty of opportunities for social events outside of the classroom.  The college sponsored weekly get-togethers, called "co-recreation nights," which brought students, their spouses, and their friends together to share games, sports, entertainment, and refreshments.

Dances were also supported by the college.  "Lucky Vanport students," boasted the 1947-48 Student Handbook, "soon discover that dances are financed by the school.  Where else can you attend a formal dance, complete with orchestra and refreshments, absolutely free?" 

Vanport offered students membership in numerous academic and social clubs, including the Associated Women Students and the Bachelors' Club.