The Rensselaer Pup has some wonderful examples of graphic design and student art from the first half of the 20th century.  As a student-generated humor magazine it possesses some questionable content as well as beautiful covers.  Often the images from the covers play toward other popular magazines or comics of the time.&nbs

I started this blog more than three years ago, to post unidentified images and share information about the history of RPI. It was kind of an experiment, but it quickly became a pet project of mine. I was thrilled when people began responding with answers, comments and memories! I hope I've been able to illustrate that the history of the Institute is made up of the stories of many, many incredible people.

We're wrapping up our five-day mystery image blitz with an image that I find curious. There's just something odd about the pose of the two men and the looks on their faces! I really wish I knew more about the context of this photograph. Does anyone know who they are and why they would have been pictured together?

Hmmmm, about a size 11? Who is this man who puts his feet up at work?

We're on a roll! Two identifications down, three to go. Give this one a try.

Can you help us identify the person in this photograph?  It contains at least two clues.  The one legible book title in the stack behind him is The Analysis of Linear Circuits by Charles M. Close.  This may indicate he was a member of the electrical engineering faculty.  The second clue is his hair style, which looks mid-1970s to mid-1980s.

I'm guessing from the plaid pants that this pic goes back to the '70s or '80s. Do you know who it is?

I need your help! I hope to put away some unidentified images this week. I'll post a new image every day for five days. Please make a comment if you can identify the individuals in the photos. We've identified twenty-two mystery images on the blog so far!

One hundred years ago, commencement for the class of 1911 was held on June 14th at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. It was a momentous occasion. The first degrees for electrical and mechanical engineering were awarded that day, nine EE and three ME degrees. The graduates and their guests were honored by the presence of Rear Admiral Robert E. Peary, who delivered the commencement address.

Julius Skilton In remembrance of Cinco de Mayo, I thought I would share an interesting RPI connection to the end of the French occupation of Mexico. Julius A. Skilton, Class of 1849, became a physician and practiced as a surgeon during the Civil War.