During his years at Colby College from 1930 to 1934, Peter Mills was immersed in the vibrant academic and extracurricular life that defined the institution. He was deeply involved in varieties of campus activities, from editing student publications—including The Colby Echo and the Colby Alumnus—to participating in dramatics, debating societies, and athletics. To support his studies, Mills took on a number of campus jobs and was elected to leadership roles in several organizations. His meticulous archival practices—including creating folders for primary sources such as the Colby Alumnus, Echo, and Oracle—reflect his lifelong commitment to historical preservation and scholarship. These archival materials, along with Mills’ personal contributions, offer invaluable insights into Colby’s intellectual and social climate during the early 1930s and form the backbone of the primary sources now housed in his Colby College digital collection.
During his years at Colby College from 1930 to 1934, Peter Mills distinguished himself as a dynamic student leader and campus personality. An active member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, he served as president of the International Relations Club and vice president of the Maine Alpha Chapter of Pi Kappa Delta, the national forensics society, demonstrating a deep commitment to debate and public speaking. Peter’s talents extended to the stage, where he acted in several campus theater productions, and to campus journalism as a sports columnist and member of the Echo’s editorial staff. His creative flair was highlighted by starring in the 1933 silent student film “Frank Merriwell at Colby,” a playful nod to college spirit. Throughout his time at Colby, Peter was known for his wit, enthusiasm, and dedication, leaving a legacy that made him one of the college’s most memorable and accomplished students of his era