Father and the Boy Visit the University of Idaho: The University of Idaho Bulletin, Vol. XVII, March, 1922, No. 11

In Short

This narrative document, published as a 1922 bulletin, serves as an inviting tour of the University of Idaho. Through the eyes of a skeptical but open-minded father and his hopeful son, the text explores every facet of collegiate life, from the rigorous demands of the engineering and agricultural laboratories to the camaraderie found in fraternity houses and athletic matches. It functions as both a promotional snapshot of a growing institution and a warm, sentimental reflection on the importance of higher education in shaping the future of a young state.

The Story

The journey begins on a crisp February afternoon when a father and his teenage son arrive in Moscow, Idaho, for their first visit to the state university. They are immediately intercepted by Tom Collins, a gregarious sophomore from their hometown, who sweeps them into the vibrant life of a fraternity house. Overwhelmed by the warmth of the students, the father’s initial caution begins to dissolve as he observes the young men managing their affairs with surprising business acumen. The first night is a whirlwind of activity, culminating in a high-stakes basketball game at the gymnasium, where the father is startled by the raw intensity of school spirit, followed by an impressive student theatrical performance.

The next morning, the pair begins a systematic pilgrimage across the campus. They meet with the University President, who articulates a vision for the institution as a unifying force for the state. As they move from the Administration Building to the specialized departments, the father—a man who prides himself on practicality—scrutinizes everything. He investigates the curriculum of the College of Law, discusses the necessity of agricultural science with deans, and peers into the kitchens of the Home Economics department. Along the way, they encounter a variety of student life, including the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and the campus infirmary, where they witness the university's commitment to student health and moral conduct.

Throughout the tour, the father’s role shifts from a protective skeptic to an enthusiastic supporter. He is particularly moved by the democratic atmosphere of the campus, where students from all walks of life are respected for their industriousness. The son, meanwhile, becomes increasingly captivated by the prospect of his future here. The visit reaches its peak on Saturday night with the Military Ball, an event of grace and beauty that leaves the father wishing his wife were there to witness the transformation of the gymnasium.

As the weekend draws to a close, the pair boards a train home. The experience has clearly left a mark on them both. The father, now fully convinced of the university’s value, sees it not just as a school, but as a crucible for building the next generation of Idaho’s citizens. As the train pulls away, the boy—radiant with a newfound sense of purpose—sings the university’s anthem, cementing his resolve to return as a student. The story ends on a note of pride and anticipation, reflecting the optimism of a young mountain state investing in its own potential.

How It Unfolds

The arrival and induction The visitors are quickly whisked away from the train station to a bustling fraternity house. They witness the social dynamics of the student body and receive their first, vibrant impression of campus life at a crowded basketball game.

The morning tour of the campus Guided by student hosts, the pair explores the architectural beauty of the institution and meets with the University President. This sets the stage for a deeper investigation into how the university serves the state’s economic and social needs.

The deep dive into academics Father and son traverse the various colleges, visiting the Law, Agriculture, and Engineering departments. The father engages in pointed discussions with faculty, confirming the practical, modern application of the studies offered.

The social and physical environment The tour extends to the infirmary and the domestic science laboratories to ensure the health and well-being of the students. The father learns about the oversight of living conditions, which reassures him of the university’s commitment to moral and physical development.

The departure and reflection The weekend concludes with a formal ball and the realization that the university is a destination for the youth of the state. The journey home provides a quiet moment for the father and son to synthesize their experience and solidify their plans for the future.

The People

The Father is a pragmatic, cautious man who values hard work, fiscal responsibility, and the health of his children. He approaches the university as a skeptic, worried about the time demands of sports and the quality of student living, but he is ultimately won over by the school’s democratic spirit and its direct connection to the state's industries.

The Boy is the enthusiastic, forward-looking counterpart to his father. He wants to be part of the vibrant social and academic life he witnesses, and his excitement serves as the emotional engine of the narrative. By the end of the trip, his identity is clearly tied to his aspiration of becoming an "Idaho man."

Tom Collins, the sophomore guide, acts as the bridge between the visitors and the institution. His role is to demystify the college experience, showing the father that the students are responsible, capable, and deeply loyal to their school.

The President and the Deans serve as the intellectual representatives of the university. They are focused on the "why" of the institution—the goal of state unity and the practical training of the next generation of engineers, farmers, and lawyers. Through these interactions, the father finds the justification he needs to entrust his son’s future to the university.

In Its Own Voice

“Why it’s a little city in itself!”

The boy expresses his genuine awe at the scale and self-sufficiency of the university campus during the morning tour.

“There’s no finer loyalty anywhere than our boys have right now. That’s why we win.”

The football coach explains the connection between student character, school spirit, and athletic success to the father.

“We love every inch of her campus green, / Each view of her crested hill; / We love every man that reveres her name, / Our glasses to her we fill.”

The boy sings the university’s song on the train home, illustrating his total devotion to the institution.

What It's Really About

At its core, this document is an argument for the necessity of state-funded higher education as a tool for regional development and civic identity. It addresses the question of how a "young mountain state" can modernize its economy and create a cohesive society by training its own youth. The text posits that the university is not merely a place of rote learning but a "little city" that teaches students to think for themselves, manage their own affairs, and contribute to their home communities. It explores the intersection of tradition and progress, where Gothic architecture meets modern agricultural science, and where the values of the home are carried into a larger, democratic public sphere.

Why Read It Today

Readers with an interest in educational history or the development of the American West will find this a fascinating, albeit specific, time capsule. It captures the singular optimism of the early 20th century, where the expansion of public institutions felt like a grand, nation-building project. The prose is earnest and direct, reflecting a period when the value of a university education was measured by its ability to produce good, productive citizens for the local economy.

Modern readers may find the father’s constant need to be reassured about moral chaperonage or his skepticism toward "cooking gone to college" to be charmingly dated. However, the core experience—the blend of anxiety and excitement felt by a parent and child visiting a campus—remains strikingly universal. The book is short, earnest, and deeply sentimental, making it a quick, immersive read. It is best enjoyed by those who appreciate the history of the American university and the earnest, civic-minded rhetoric of a bygone era. While it lacks modern nuance, its sincerity stays with you, reminding the reader of a time when the local state college was the singular, shining hope of a "proud young mountain state."