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How I Make Both Ends Meet
From Our Story
From Washington State Magazine, Fall 2008
Cougs have a long history of figuring out ways to save money while attending school during tight economic times. In the winter of 1932, during the Great Depression, Washington State College president E.O. Holland organized an essay contest for students titled “How I Economized Last Semester.” Peter E. Kragt, a freshman from Lynden, Washington, won the contest with his story about building a cabin on Route 1 right before school started. The student who took second place, Garrett C. Tewinkel, described how he saved on rent by moving off campus with a classmate, saved on food by bringing canned peas, beans, and cherries from home, and how he had no transportation costs because he hitchhiked between home and Pullman. As the first place winner, Kragt received $15. The original essay is in President Holland’s papers at WSU Manuscripts, Archives, & Special Collections.
 Letter to President Holland Announcing Essay Winners |
 Letter from Presdident Holland Describing Prizes |
 Announcement of 1932 Essay Contest Winners |
 Peter Kragt, Page 1 |
 Peter Kragt, Page 2 |
 Peter Kragt, Page 3 |
 Garrett Tewinkel, Page 1 |
 Garrett Tewinkel, Page 2 |
 Garrett Tewinkel, Page 3 |
 William Linden, Page 1 |
 William Linden, Page 2 |
 William Linden, Page 3 |
 William Linden, Page 4 |
 William Linden, Page 5 |
 William Linden, Page 6 |
 William Linden, Page 7 |