That Was Then ...
Life at MIT in 1955 and 1956

•Officially dedicated in the spring of 1955, Kresge Auditorium provided a modern venue for MIT events. In 1956, the first televised Boston Symphony Orchestra concert took place at Kresge.

•Construction began on the Compton Labs.

•Theodore Roszak's spire and bell tower were added to the new MIT chapel. The bell was cast at the MIT foundry, then located on the top floor of Building 35.

•MIT tuition increased from $900 to $1,100.

•Minimum wage was $1 an hour.

•An all-inclusive ticket to Senior Week--including entrance to the Senior Stag Banquet, Pops concert, and moonlight boat cruise--cost $15.

•The "Sunfrost" white formal jacket was sold at the Coop for $38.95. An advertisement in the Tech proclaimed that the jacket was "made for the man who demands the finest in smart tailoring, correct styling and cool, airy comfort."

•MIT students flocked to the Brattle Theatre to see such movies as Around the World in 80 Days, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and The Ten Commandments.

•In December 1955, MIT's basketball team upset Amherst, 66-53.

•MIT wrestlers won first place in the Eastern Collegiate Wrestling Championship.

•Dr. Jonas Salk's polio vaccine became available nationwide.