Memorial Union Reinvestment
History Tidbit: Charles Lindbergh, Memorial Union 1927
Sep20

History Tidbit: Charles Lindbergh, Memorial Union 1927

  During the original building project in 1927, Charles Lindbergh paid a visit to the Memorial Union. Check out the beginnings of the facade behind him! This image is courtesy of UW Archives, if you have images, multimedia, or memorabilia to share with the MU Reinvestment team, email us at...

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History Tidbit: All-State Band, 1931
Sep19

History Tidbit: All-State Band, 1931

For today’s History Tidbit, check out Wisconsin’s All-State Band set up to perform on the Terrace in 1931. Notice that they are positioned in front of der Rathskeller — this was the typical spot for Terrace concerts until the construction of the stage in the mid-1980s with picturesque Lake Mendota as the backdrop. This image is courtesy of the UW Archives. If you have history tidbits of your own to share with the...

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History Tidbit: 1948 Senior Convocation
Sep15

History Tidbit: 1948 Senior Convocation

  In today’s photo, seniors enter the Union Theater through the Terrace entrance for 1948 Senior Convocation. Note in the foreground how the approach to the lake next to the Theater has changed! If you’d like to share your own memories with others interested in the Memorial Union Reinvestment, email them to...

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History Tidbit: Hoofers Pier, 1938
Sep14

History Tidbit: Hoofers Pier, 1938

Today’s photo features an early iteration of the Hoofers Pier, shown here in 1938. Hoofers, founded in 1931, will be in completely remodeled and updated spaces, fit to house the modern needs of UW’s largest student organization. Thanks to UW Archives for providing this photo! If you have memorabilia, photos, video, or sound to share with others through the Reinvestment blog, please email them to...

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History Tidbit: George Haight at Memorial Union Groundbreaking
Sep13

History Tidbit: George Haight at Memorial Union Groundbreaking

The photo in the foreground of this collage is a portrait of George Haight at the groundbreaking ceremony for Memorial Union on November 5, 1921. According to UW Archives, “George Haight speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony. Haight was president of the class of 1899, a member of the Memorial Union Building Committee, and later President of the Alumni Association, President of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, and...

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History Tidbit: Aerial View of Memorial Union
Sep12

History Tidbit: Aerial View of Memorial Union

This aerial photo of Memorial Union from above Lake Mendota, circa 1950, shows a very different Terrace from the one we know and love today. To the left, you can see the YMCA and pier (now Lot 1 and the stone jetty). Also note the lack of the lakeshore trail, the seawall, and even the stage! The cobblestone upper Terrace and the Theater steps remain recognizable to today’s Terrace visitor. This photo is courtesy of the UW...

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