Lawrence Smith photographs, 1952

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Smith, Lawrence
Title
Lawrence Smith photographs
Dates
1952 (inclusive)
Quantity
10 photographic prints
7 negatives
Collection Number
PG 88
Summary
Photographs taken by Lawrence Smith of the University of Idaho's 1952 "reverse" panty raid.
Repository
University of Idaho Library, Special Collections and Archives
Special Collections and Archives
University of Idaho Library
875 Perimeter Drive
MS 2350
Moscow, ID
83844-2350
Telephone: 2088850845
libspec@uidaho.edu
Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Languages
English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

In the 1940s and 1950s, panty raids became a popular prank amongst college students across the country. These raids involved large groups of male students breaking into female dorms and living groups to steal their underwear. In 1952, students at the University of Idaho decided to use this trend to raise money for charity. They hosted a "reverse" panty raid where male students would visit female student dorms asking for coffee and then all the students convened at the Student Union Building for an auction, where they were selling panties, and an all night dance. The event ended in the morning with students surpentining in downtown Moscow asking for more donations. The reverse panty raid raised more than $500 for charity.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

This collection consists of 10 photographs and 7 negatives from the University of Idaho's 1952 "reverse" panty raid. The photographs were taken by, then student, Lawrence Smith.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Preferred Citation

[Description of Item], Lawrence Smith photographs, PG 88, Special Collections and Archives, University of Idaho Library, Moscow, Idaho.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Acquisition Information

Materials were donated by Lawrence Smith in 2011 (MA 2011-05).

Bibliography

"Where Credit Is Due." The Idaho Argonaut, 27 May 1952, pp. 1–2.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Photographs and NegativesReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Folder object
1 88-01
Large crowd in pajamas outside of an unidentified building
1 photographic prints : 5" x 3.5" black and white print
1952
1 88-02
Large crowd in pajamas walking down a street
1 photographic prints : 5" x 3.5" black and white print
1 negatives : 3" x 2" black and white negative
1952
1 88-03
Large crowd in pajamas serpentine in front of the First Trust & Savings Bank downtown
1 photographic prints : 5" x 3.5" black and white print
1 negatives : 3" x 2" black and white negative
1952
1 88-04
Large crowd in pajamas serpentine down Main Street
1 photographic prints : 5" x 3.5" black and white print
1 negatives : 3" x 2" black and white negative
1952
1 88-05
Man smoking while holding a camera in a large crowd
1 photographic prints : 5" x 3.5" black and white print
1952
1 88-06
Crowd at auction at all-night dance
1 photographic prints : 5" x 3.5" black and white print
1952
1 88-07
Crowd at auction at all-night dance
1 photographic prints : 3.5" x 5" black and white print
1 negatives : 2" x 3" black and white negative
1952
1 88-08
Man holding a pair of panties while a woman in pajamas inspects
1 photographic prints : 3.5" x 5" black and white print
1 negatives : 2" x 3" black and white negtive
1952
1 88-09
Crowd at all-night dance
1 photographic prints : 5" x 3.5" black and white print
1 negatives : 3" x 2" black and white negative
1952
1 88-10
Crowd at auction at all-night dance
1 photographic prints : 5" x 3.5" black and white print
1 negatives : 3" x 2" black and white negative
1952

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Fund raising
  • Greek letter societies