What was your role on campus at the time:

Undergraduate

During the school year 1969-70, where did you live:

Dormitory

Were you a member of any student organization on campus? If so, which one(s)?

I lived in Stadium Scholarship Dorm. The dorm was politically active during the demonstrations. I recall a heated dorm meeting where we tried to raise funds to bail out dorm mates who had been arrested. Someone passed out T-shirts with red fists with the message “STRIKE” stenciled on them. I heard stories of female students strip-searched and humiliated at the jail.

During the weeks before the university closed, what was the most significant thing you observed?

I joined a group of protesters gathered in front the Navy ROTC building. Among the protesters were some black footballs players. I recognized Jack Tatum. A group of ROTC guys came out and started pushing some girls around. Suddenly, someone opened a window and dumped a bucket of water on us. Usually a mild-mannered guy, I became outraged and threw a rock at a window with all my might. To my embarrassment, break-proof glass had been installed and the rock rebounded straight back at me. I had to duck to avoid being beaned by my own projectile.

What were your impressions of campus during the time period?

A group of angry students on the Oval. A parade formed to march to the ROTC May Day Review. My friend and I followed the leaders to the field where the ROTC students were assembled in ranks. We squatted down between the troops and the bleachers where reviewing dignitaries were seated. Very quickly several busloads of Ohio National Guard arrived. They kneeled in front of the protesters with rifles pointed at us. Angry words were shouted, and for a moment it looked like violence could ensue. The tension was relieved and guns lowered, when the ROTC band began to play. I think they played the national anthem. The protesters stood and placed hands over hearts. Then the band began to play the Caisson Song. With that, the protesters ran into the ranks of the ROTC students. We held hands, formed a chain. and merrily danced in and out of the ROTC formations. Some ROTC guys laughed and broke ranks. The elated protesters, having mocked and disrupted the military proceedings danced away to our dorms.

Did you think the university should be closed? Why or why not?

There wasn’t much formal education going on. There was a curfew, and students wore IDs on necklaces. After the killings at Kent State, it seemed impossible that the campus would return to normal. I was surprised when it was announced the campus was closed to students.

What did you do during the two weeks the university was closed?

My home was Miami, Florida, and it was too expensive to fly home. I caught a ride to Toledo with a guy from the dorm. I spent one night at his house. His father, a policeman, didn’t sympathize [with] the college students. I caught a bus to Flint, Michigan where I spent the two weeks at my aunt and uncle’s house.

Did you return to finish the quarter?

Yes

Looking back, what do you think are the lasting legacies of the student demonstrations?

In my opinion, the college anti-war protests helped shorten the war. I think the Nixon administration thought if a few students were killed, the universities would quiet down. After the killings of students at Kent State and Jackson State, the ranks of anti-war protesters diminished.