In 1963, a group of PMC cadets interested in furthering their knowledge of artillery organized Battery Robinett. The Battery was named in honor of Second Lieutenant Henry C. Robinett, ‘60, who distinguished himself at the Battle of Corinth by displaying courage and valor in the face of overwhelming odds.

With a matching grant from the PMC Alumni Association, the Battery, commanded by Cadet Captain William A. Whittaker, ’65, raised money for the purchase of a Civil War artillery piece. While Battery Robinett wanted to obtain a 20-pounder Parrott gun, a replica of the type used by Robinett at Corinth, Captain Philbrook, the group’s advisor, suggested a replica of the Parrott cannon be purchased so that it could be used during the Boardwalk Bowl football games in Atlantic City.

Members of the Battery, dressed in their Civil War era field artillery uniforms, were to called on to fire at Corps ceremonies and other events. As interest in the Battery and the Civil War waned, only a small group of cadets carried on the tradition. Every evening the Battery fired the French 75 mm cannon located in front of Old Main to signal retreat before the Corps marched to dinner. At home football games the Battery fired a volley after each PMC touchdown. Members of the Battery were also responsible for cleaning and maintaining of all equipment. During the summer, the tube of the replica cannon was stored in the basement of Old Main.

Anyone spending time on the campus of PMC cannot help but hear the sounds of the bells that originates from the carillon in the Dome atop Old Main. What they may not know is that the original twenty-five-bell Coronation Carillon was installed in February 1964 in memory of Albert “Albie” Filoreto, ’63. At the dedication, a plaque was presented that says:

Albie Filoreto Carillon placed in the dome of Old Main by friends, faculty and students of Pennsylvania Military College, March, 1964.

To those who knew him, Albie was one of the most popular and best liked students on campus. Albie was a star football player and outstanding sprinter. In his senior year, he attended football camp but was unable to complete the required one-mile run. He was constantly fatigued and weak and missed many classes during the year. Eventually Albie learned that he had a disease called aplastic anemia, causing the body to stop producing new blood cells. Despite the seriousness of his illness, Albie maintained an optimistic attitude and graduated in the spring. Tragically he died in August.

The Carillon was purchased from Schulman Carillons and funded by students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends of PMC and local community organizations. Originally the carillon was to perform an eight-note phrase from “Hail to PMC” which would signal the beginning of class periods from 8:55 a.m. to 3:55 p.m. When the Corps of Cadets assembled for its evening mess, the carillon performed the Alma Mater. After being discontinued for a ten-year period, the carillon was restored and resumed ringing in 1978. In 2010, the chimes began to play a new song, “Hear the Roar!”

No aspect of PMC stood out more than a cadet in uniform. The uniformed cadet became a symbol of the school and clearly showed he was a member of an elite group. The uniform was also a disciplining force. The way he conducted himself in public while in uniform became the basis for how the public sees the school.

As early as 1862 the cadet gray full dress uniform became standard. The design was identical to those worn by the cadets at West Point, except for the buttons on the coats and the shields on the caps, which were designed by the school. Each uniform was a hand tailored garment made to measure using the finest quality cloth supplied by the Charlottesville Woolen Mills. This uniform changed little between 1862 and 1972.

To ensure uniformity in appearance and quality, all cadets were required to purchase their uniforms from M.C. Thackray of Philadelphia. Beginning in 1873, all uniforms were purchased from John Wanamaker in Philadelphia. After 1890, however, uniforms were made and supplied on campus through the Quartermaster Store and finally, from the William Bell Uniform Company of Chester, Pennsylvania.

Each cadet was also expected to have a a “cadet gray” dress uniform of high collared, tailed coat with both gray and white trousers. The daily dress for classes and on campus consisted of a collared, long sleeved, gray cotton dress shirt, black tie, and the gray woolen trousers.”Cadets wore their dress gray uniform trousers and a gray flannel shirt, later replaced by lighter weight material. In 1963, a lightweight white summer uniform was issued.

The PMC class ring has been a cherished reminder of every cadet’s years at the school. The symbolism of the ring has been well documented and described to each class prior to receiving it. Unfortunately, memories fade, as do the meanings of the symbolism. The Handbook of Fourth Class Knowledge provides the following information.

Each ring has an Eagle on either side. The head of one is looking to the past, and the other to the future. The head of the eagle looking to the past is larger than the one looking toward the future, because we can see more in the past than we can guess the future can hold.

On one side is a keystone. It represents the State of Pennsylvania, its pivotal role in determining independence, which described as the keystone vote, and being an early seat of government.

There are two crossed rifles behind the Keystone, which is where the year of graduation is found. These rifles stand for our continual fight to keep up with the times in order to successfully accomplish our mission.

On the other side is the Great Seal of the United States, which represents the power and might of our country.

A circle surrounds the Great Seal. This circle stands for our dedication and devotion, which is without beginning or end, to our country.

Behind the Great Seal there are two crossed sabers. These embody the proud tradition of PMC’s top-rated cavalry units.

Below the Keystone and Great Seal are two torches that represent the light of knowledge, both present and future, which we acquired at PMC.

Surrounding both the Keystone and Great Seal are a wreath of garland. This stands for the motto of PMC, “Virtue, Liberty, and Independence.”

The single star found between the words Pennsylvania Military College is symbolic of the stars of the states in the field of the American flag and its purpose – Union. Before graduation the star faces inward. After graduation it faces outward.

The ring is made of gold, a symbol of honor and respect for our beloved institution.

Commencements at PMC, was often attended by thousands of parents, honored guests, alumni and citizens of Chester, and was often described as “Inspiring! Splendid! Magnificent! Stunning! and Overwhelming!”

The ceremonies changed little during the time of the Hyatt’s and well beyond. Each year the activities and ceremonies were held during a 3-day period culminating on Commencement Day. This day began with honored guests being met by an honor guard and escorted to the reception room of Old Main. The group waited there for the conclusion of the annual meeting of the Board of Trustees. The trustees, honored guests, and faculty then began the academic procession, passing the corps of cadets standing at attention, from Old Main to the Armory. Following an invocation, the college president made his opening remarks. After that came the awarding of prizes and medals followed by the conferring of degrees. Presentation of honorary degrees was next. After Benediction, everyone become spectators to the exercises of the Corps. The Corps marched past the review stand, and then trustees and honored guests reviewed it. The ceremony ended with the president of the graduating class presenting the sword and the sash to the president of the incoming senior class.

The day’s activities ended with a very solemn moment. Members of the alumni association, in keeping with the tradition that early cadets drilled with broom sticks, lined up in preparation of the annual broom drill. After going through the “Manual of brooms,” they marched and formed a hollow square. While in formation, the names of those alumni that died within the past year were formally reported to all those in attendance. As each name was called, the Corps of Cadets were given the order to “present arms.” Taps was then sounded. John W. Loveland ’87, former trustee and president of the Alumni Association, organized the Hollow Square ceremony around 1919.

This colorful and superb Commencement ceremony continued to be the end of the year’s activities for the Corps of Cadets and left lasting memories.

In 1965, the Department of the Army designed a new emblem for Pennsylvania Military College. Below is an explanation of its symbolism.

The shield consists of an armored horse’s head set against a background of red, yellow, and white which are the colors of the Corps of Cadets. The horse’s head refers to the introduction of military instruction to the college and also to the horses supporting the arms of the State of Pennsylvania. The three white roundels (circles) are a part of the arms of William Penn.

The indented partition line marks the P,M,C,’s three changes of location beginning with the transfer from the State of Delaware in 1862.

The crest consists of a wreath upon which is set a keystone with a gold cross crosslet, referring to the arms of Lord De La Warr, namesake of the State of Delaware where the college had its earliest beginnings. Two crossed Civil War officers’ swords, one Union and one Confederate, overlap the crest. They denote the outbreak of the Civil War and the resultant move to Pennsylvania where the college was incorporated under an act of the State Legislature as a military university.

At the bottom of the emblem is a scroll with the inscription Virtue, Liberty, and Independence in red letters symbolizing the ideals and goals of Pennsylvania Military College.

A tradition at colleges has been the awarding of honorary degrees to distinguish visitors. Colonel Hyatt launched an ambitious program of using this academic tradition to make PMC known nationally.

Honorary degrees were awarded to many well-known individuals, including Warren G. Harding (1920), John Philip Sousa (1920), General John J. Pershing (1921), General Douglas MacArthur (1928), Richard E. Byrd (1928), Cecil B. DeMille ’98 (1931), J. Edgar Hoover (1936), David Sarnoff (1952), Walter H. Annenberg (1954) and many others. During the Commencement of 1920, Franklin D. Roosevelt was awarded Doctor of Laws. In accepting the degree he said in part:

“This.is a historic moment for me – the getting of this degree in an institution so essential1y American. The great need of our country today is broad Americanism and a leadership of vision. This institution stands for that sort of thing, and this is why its graduates have made enviable records in all lands.”

For many, receiving an honorary degree from PMC was a tribute. In 1933, Colonel Hyatt was invited to visit President Roosevelt in the White House. The President told Hyatt that:

Since I received my degree (1920), I have taken as much interest in PMC as if I were in reality a graduate. I have faithfully followed PMC sports in the newspapers and have been particularly fascinated by your fine polo teams. PMC is truly expressive of the American spirit, and lays the foundation for the sort of Americanism needed to perpetuate the worthwhile institutions of our country.

In 1924, PMC conferred the degree of Bachelor of Military Science upon 64 alumni. Judge George T. Cann, ’85 explained that the degree was designed to honor graduates of the College who had served in any branch of the military in time of actual warfare. For the several more years, this degree was awarded to 202 more alumni.

John W. Simmons, ‘87, described Colonel Theodore Hyatt as “sincere and true. No one could know him well without loving him. He was sympathetic and charitable, and where he knew there was suffering and want, there his hand went out.” It is no wonder that the PMC community searched to find a fitting memorial to this great man. Because of its importance to the study of Civil Engineering and his interest in astronomical studies, building an Observatory was chosen to honor the late Colonel Hyatt.

The building was designed and planned by Colonel Silas Comfort,’89, a Professor of Engineering and Vice-President at the school. His plan was not to build an ornamental monument, but one that would be of use students. The result was a tastefully designed gray stone building overlooking the athletic fields from the east and was on the most elevated spot to meet the needs of student astronomers.

Through the efforts of the Alumni Association, ex-cadets and friends of the school raised funds to equip the Observatory with astronomical instruments consisting of

a six-inch refracting telescope with position-micrometer, helioscope, and solar and spectroscope attachments, a transit, a chronograph, a sidereal clock, and all other appurtenances necessary to systematic and accurate work. The Observatory will be in telegraphic connection with other Observatories.

The Observatory was dedicated at the 1891 Commencement exercises.