A remarkable collection of photographs was recently shared with the college, offering a brief time travel to postwar student life from 1946 to 1950. The images follow a group of girlfriends, first pictured in their Pfeiffer Hall room, through four years of adventures culminating in a graduation shot on the King Chapel steps.
Helga Koch Konopacki ’50 (second from left) and her friends and roommates in Pfeiffer Hall enjoying Cokes and knitting.
These photos are from the personal collection of Helga Koch Konopacki ’50 (1927-2004), who came to Cornell from Kimballton, Iowa. Her experience during the post-World War II era is noteworthy in part by the inclusion of a wide range of athletics shots. Konopacki was the first female sports reporter at her high school and a dedicated sports fan. Her attendance at Cornell happily coincided with the 1947 national championship wrestling team.
While student lifestyles and traditions have evolved since she captured these young Cornellians on film, the palpable energy, allegiances, and community spirit have not.
Hundreds of Helga's photos are available on Flickr.
