University Park, PA -- Soon after the turn-of-the-century, the freshman-sophomore battles, known as "scraps" or "rushes," started being replaced by a milder form of initiation, known as "freshman customs." Customs were listed for the first-time in the student handbook in 1904, as well as being artfully transformed into a poster, which every freshman was advised to acquire.

Three of these historical posters (1918, 1925, and 1929) from the Penn State University Archives collection, part of the Special Collections Library, have been reproduced and are now available in a limited edition at the Penn State Bookstore, the Nittany Lion Inn Gift Shop, the Penn Stater Gift Shop, and the All Sports Museum Gift Shop. Additional plans are underway for online sales at www.psu.bkstore.com as well as at Penn State campus locations throughout the state.

Jackie Esposito, the University Archivist, welcomes this opportunity to share some of Penn State's history with a wider audience. Visitors are invited to stop by the archive in 104 Paterno Library to see the original posters. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For additional sales information for this perfect holiday or graduation gift, call 1-800-543-5659.

For collection information, contact Penn State University Archives, 814-865-7931.

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Editor's Contact:
Catherine Grigor, 814-865-0401