In October of 1942, more North Dakota students were at work in farmers’ fields than college classrooms. With many of the state’s young men serving in World War II, farmers were desperate for harvest help. In response to the crisis, university presidents called off classes. Within 24 hours of being released, more than 800 University of North Dakota students and faculty were in the fields. The College of Agriculture scattered 400 more young men across the state. And in a mass meeting, 400 Fargo coeds told NDAC President Frank Eversull that they were ready to pitch in alongside the men. By the end of the month, the harvest of ’42 was in the bins and the hard-working scholars were back at their books.

Written by Cathy Jelsing

Sources: Bismarck Tribune, Oct. 6 and 13, 1942

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