This issue’s cover story takes a look at Selinsgrove, the town that Susquehanna calls home. We dusted off a few photos from the University Archives, including a few downtown scenes of some establishments that are long gone but not likely forgotten.

Through the e-newsletter, we also asked subscribing alumni to share their Selinsgrove memories. Below you’ll find some reminiscences nostalgic alums forwarded. Thanks to everyone who took the time to remember and respond. If you do not receive our alumni e-newsletter and would like to, you can register at www.sualum.com.

Have a downtown Selinsgrove story you want to share with other readers? Do you have firsthand information about one of the photos below? We want to hear from you – e-mail sutoday@susqu.edu and we’ll add your submission to those below.

It was at graduation time, at the Ford dealer in town, I got my very first view of a Thunderbird. I never have had the money to buy one – now an antique (like the rest of us).

--J. Edward Barrett ’55

Being a Susquehanna U. student in 1955 and up, I remember downtown Selinsgrove very well. It was our only source of entertainment with one movie house. We had no TVs in those days. We would go to the movies on Saturday (no matter what the show) because there was only one show at a time and we had no cars to go to Sunbury or elsewhere. The farmers and their families would come into town and help us fill the theater. I must say, at times, we could have used a modern day deodorizer in that small, un-air conditioned theater.

Another memory is that the Governor Snyder Hotel was off limits and it wasn't until four years ago when we went back to visit that I was inside “The Guv” for the first time. I felt like a rebellious freshman.

I loved that small town and I will always have fond memories of the people and the good times in Selinsgrove. Also, the stolen kisses as I walked from campus to town with my husband of 49 years.

--Patricia L. Dawn ’58 Bortle

Socializing at the Hotel Governor Snyder one night my junior year with several friends right before Christmas break. Just us and the bartender and a piano player playing all kinds of neat old songs.

Seeing Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid when it first came out with my friend Gary Smith when we were freshmen.

The year at Alumni Day when we made the longest banana split.

Homecoming parade days.

--Dennis Mosebey ’73

I used to love the late night Christmas shopping. While I was at SU, they would have the Candlelight Service at Weber Chapel and then all the shops would be opened downtown until late in the evening so that we could all do our holiday shopping. It was so much fun!!! I also remember how friendly all of the salespeople were and how excited they were to see us!!

--Jennifer Mariano ’98

The only thing I remember about downtown is "Hookies" that was a popular destination in the fifties. I guess it was part of the fire station and served beer without checking for age. Wonder if it still exists?

--Ivars Avots '55

Enjoying late nite snacks at Jumbos, the greasy snack bar right across the street from the laudromat on University Ave. that was open all hours of the night.

The Grove! I remember seeing Van Wagner (a Schuylkill County guitarist) perform, and playing scrabble there.

--Annie Cowan '02