Name/Title
Yearbook, 1913 University of Texas CactusContext
The Cactus yearbook, now in its 127th year, is the oldest publication at the University of Texas at Austin. A copy of Volume XX of The Cactus, published in 1913, sits on the writing desk in the southeast bedroom of the Neill-Cochran House Museum, known as the Cochran Girls' Bedroom.
Nineteen thirteen was the senior year of undergraduate studies for Frankie Cochran, the youngest daughter of Judge Thomas and Bessie Cochran. All three Cochran daughters attended UT, and Frankie's oldest sister, Bessie, was one of the first women to receive a graduate degree from the University.
Frankie was Senior Class Vice President, a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority, treasurer of the Y.W.C.A., and a member of the Art Club and Music Club. It's clear from her yearbook that Frankie's classmates saw her as a leader. Her entry in the roster of students reads:
"Treasurer of pretty nearly everything, beginning with the Y.W.C.A. May be seen well up toward the head of all the processions. Is into everything for the fun of it, and incidentally for the good of it. Lead on Frankie, we're behind you."
The Cochran girls were among the first generation of Texas women given access to higher education, and Frankie and her sisters took full advantage of that opportunity. It would be another 43 years before all people were permitted to attend the University of Texas at Austin.
This yearbook was given to the NCHM by Ms. Susan Spruance. You can see The Cactus, and all of our academic artifacts, every Wed-Sun, 11-4pm.Acquisition
Accession
2014.02Source or Donor
Ms. Susan C. SpruanceAcquisition Method
Gift