Social Life at Sampsonville

What Was the Social Life Like?

Many of the letters we read from people living in Sampsonville explained that there was a lot of reported social stress at Sampsonville. This stress was mostly because money was tight. One letter explains that going to the movies or eating out was a true luxury.  Often times, single couples (unmarried but dating students) volunteered to babysit the children of Sampsonville. These letters also described that Sampsonville was comprised of very thin walls that would provide entertainment for other inhabitants. Thin walls made privacy impossible. Furthermore, rats and cockroaches were a common element found in the barracks. During the Fall and Spring, laundry was hung on lines outside the barracks, including diapers. Lastly, in the letters, we read of many warm memories women had of togetherness and care for each other, which was common concern for the members of the barracks. 

During the days, the men studied while the women worked. The majority of the wives worked, and mothers took part-time employment. There was little evening social life except for Saturday night gatherings, which consisted of homemade pizza, beer, charades and getting home by midnight. Playground equipment was purchased for the children living in Sampsonville.