The Ohio State University Archives

Sunday marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of William Dougherty, who wrote the beloved fight song, "Across the Field”.

Dougherty composed the song in 1915, while he was a student and an assistant to the Ohio State University football team. It was said that Dougherty saw a need for a new school song, and as a pianist, he was experimenting with music that would ‘capture the spirit of football’. Hence, "Across the Field" was born and soon became a Buckeye favorite. The tune made its first public debut at a pep rally before the Illinois game in 1915.

Dougherty went on to receive two degrees from Ohio State: A Bachelor of Arts degree in 1917, and a law degree in 1920.

Over the years, Dougherty was invited back to campus to play "Across the Field" on the piano during football halftime shows. His last performance was in 1975, a year before his death.

It’s still spring and where is the best place on campus during this season? Mirror Lake of course! Check out this photo, showing a party at Mirror Lake in 1878!

Hats off to our amazing Buckeye grads! More than 12,300 diplomas were received this past Sunday, May 10th, during the 442nd commencement ceremony at THE Ohio State University!
(Photo shows caps from 1975 commencement ceremony)

Ohio State's first Field Day was held on May 7, 1881! The fun included events like throwing the heavy hammer, boxing, and the wheelbarrow race. (Images: The Lantern, May 1, 1881; Field Day photo, 1892)

On May 3, 1879, Mary Frank Morrison made history as the first woman to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University!

Happy Earth Day Buckeyes! Check out the University's program for the very first Earth Day, held on April 22, 1970! The day's events included a variety of programs, including a talk from Senator John Glenn.

In April 1882, the University became the home of the Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station - now known as CFAES Wooster - where dedicated faculty began researching and sharing new ideas to support Ohio's farming community. Check out this 1880s photo of one of the Station's original farm plots, located just north of the original University Hall!

Did you know that Ohio State once had an Armory on campus, or that a former student union had a 12-lane bowling alley in the basement? Discover more fun campus history and explore buildings from the past in our blog post: https://bit.ly/4t2J0ux

In March 1965, a ground-breaking ceremony was held for the construction of Lincoln and Morrill Towers. Learn more about how OSU's founding is reflected in the towers: https://bit.ly/4v14bys

Happy first day of Spring, Buckeyes! With the warmer weather headed our way, it’s time to boost your step-count. Here are some places on campus where you can do that! (Photos: The Long Walk, 1985, the Oval, 1980s, and Hayes Hall, no date).

Good luck to the Ohio State University Men’s Basketball Team as they head into the first game of the Big Ten Championship! While you're waiting, check out our blog post to see where our hoopsters used to play on campus: https://bit.ly/4rlqR9j (Image: St. John Arena, 1959)