Former University students and Old Main representatives will tip their teacups next month to toast a symbol of the struggle for women's rights. White Building, once a "women's only" facility, turns 50 Feb. 3.

A reception and replication of "high tea," a popular social activity in the 1930s, which features formal dress and refreshments, is planned to recognize Mary Beaver White Recreational Hall's half-century mark. The celebration is structured after a high tea for historical reasons and is not formal or elitist, said Marilyn Eastridge, coordinator of the undergraduate program for exercise and sport science. The event is merely a reception, she said, noting that what we would term a "reception" today might have been called a "high tea" 50 years ago.

In commemoration of the anniversary, John Lucas has written a booklet tracing the history of White Building. Lucas, a sports historian and professor of exercise and sport science, plans to join about 60 other guests in a remembrance of the people who helped make the building possible, such as Marie Haidt.

As a professor of physical education and hygiene in the 1920s and 1930s, Haidt worked to find a place where women could socialize apart from men, who dominated the University at the time. Rec Hall was originally reserved for men only, which left women without a place to exercise or just relax.

"Haidt had a special feeling for the women who had no place to go," said Lucas, whose 90-page booklet, "Every Woman's Club House: The Original Penn State University Mary Beaver White Recreational Hall," describes Haidt and her efforts. A copy of the work is available in Pattee.

Haidt found the money she needed in a fund donated by Mary Beaver White, sister of former Pennsylvania governor James Beaver and wife of John White, a University minister in the late 1800s. White donated the money specifically for use by women; and in 1938 White Building was dedicated for use exclusively by women.

The structure remained a women's-only facility until 1959 when Haidt relinquished her position to Martha Adams, who then opened the building to men, said Lucas.

"I think (opening to men) was good; changing times dictate different circumstances," he said.

Pat Seni, a physical education instructor at the time men were first allowed use of White Building, described the change as "marvelous." Seni, now employed as an assistant professor of exercise science, said response to the change was mostly positive.