Comments on: Dining at Duke

By: R Carroll Beaty, BSME'59

R Carroll Beaty, BSME'59 — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 01:16:31 +0000

I agree with Mr. Rickards’ comments above. I worked on the football training table for “Big Bill” Jones along with Alex and Ginny from the cafeteria staff and Hershall Caldwell, another student, in ‘55 and ‘56. I worked the regular cafeteria during the winter and spring of those years. I would like to see something done in memory of “Big Bill”—anyone else interested? He was a huge help to me and one of the best friends/mentors I have ever had.

Ms. Samouelian, how about an article about Bill Jones and his contributions to the University?

Best regards,

Carroll

By: Tammie B. ames

Tammie B. ames — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 03:51:55 +0000

Where did the Devils come from and what does the fork have to do with the Duke Devils? Can I have access to the original logo for me and my grandson, not for printing or any other use. It’s for my grandsons room.
Thank You!
Tammie

By: Ed Rickards '63, Law '66

Ed Rickards '63, Law '66 — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:33:48 +0000

Ted Minah was indeed one of Duke’s treasures. The food he served was good, and so was his heart.

Bill Jones ranked right up there along side him.

When Mr. Minah received his Duke appointment, he insisted on bringing Big Bill along. And thus he became the first black supervisor at Duke University, fully participating in management meetings for food services.

And Mr. Minah insisted that all his dining halls serve everyone. This at a time when Duke was struggling with desegregation, first of its graduate and professional schools and then its undergraduate colleges.

Some time after I graduated, the Oak Room was renamed Ted Minah’s Oak Room. And it is unfortunate that Duke has closed this and lost Mr. Minah’s name, as it is losing the names of so many others in its history.

One footnote: my recollection is that men had to wear coat and tie in the Oak Room only on Sunday.

By: Anne Light

Anne Light — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:02:16 +0000

Great article.
Minor correction: The University Room has become the DukeCard office. The Blue & White Room is the Great Hall servery.

Anne Smyrski Light, T’89

By: Asher

Asher — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:57:47 +0000

I always wondered why they called that area surrounding the Chick-Fil-A the Cambridge Inn!