Libraries and archives collect materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. As a result, materials such as those presented here may reflect sexist, misogynistic, abusive, racist, or discriminatory attitudes or actions that some may find disturbing, harmful, or difficult to view.
Both a humor and literary magazine, The Pine Needle was a University of Maine student-produced periodical that began publication in the fall of 1946, the first post-World War II semester that saw GIs returning to campus.
The Needle reflected an edginess and rebellion not found in previous UMaine student publications. While past student publications relied on euphemisms for alcohol and dating on campus, The Needle overtly sexualized co-eds and discussed the use of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol by students.
Cover art for this issue is an unsigned pen-and-ink illustration produced by a member of The Needle\u27s art staff. It depicts the five members of the editorial staff gathered around a wood coffin labeled, The Needle.
Included in this issue is a piece about former History Professor C. Dewitt Hardy II\u27s (1911-1992), term paper assignment entitled, Social Problems in My Home Town. The work mentions the birth of Hardy\u27s son and future artist, Clarion Dewitt Hardy III (1940-2017)
