Memorial Union
Collection
Identifier: UA 0055
Scope and Contents
The collection contains student employee guidelines and policies, Memorial Union 50 Anniversary and Rededication, department files, Memorial Union history, annual reports, building construction and plans, Memorial Union expansion and remodeling. The materials are arranged in original order and folder titles were retained.
Dates
- 1965 - 2015
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Institute.
Conditions Governing Use
Copyrights to this collection is held by The North Dakota State University Archives.
Biographical / Historical
The Memorial Union officially opened on Thursday, October 29, 1953, as a part of the Homecoming activities. The idea for the Union was conceived in 1943 when a group of students proposed such a
building. On June 5, 1947, the student body voted overwhelmingly to support a proposal recommending
that all students be assessed a quarterly fee of $5.00 toward the building fund. After the Board of Higher
Education approved the measure; Articles of Incorporation were drawn up and approved followed by the formation of a board of directors. As fund raising continued, a “1000 Club” was begun, with each member donating $1,000.00. Fargo businesses were also contacted, as well as alumni. As the fund drive reached its goal, a director for the Memorial Union was hired, an architect contracted, and bids let out for construction of the 50,000 square foot facility. When completed, the building included the Bison Room (food service), a bowling containing eight alleys and a small game room, the Varsity Mart, Meinecke Lounge and Main Lounge, a barbershop, placement service, Alumni Office, Spectrum and Bison Annual offices, studios for the campus radio station, checkrooms, facilities for meetings and social functions, and a small clothing store leased by Straus Company.
In 1958 the bowling alleys were relocated in an addition and the space was converted into a cafeteria – the States Room. As the student body increased in size, it became evident that the Memorial Union had to grow as well. On November 5, 1964, an addition was dedicated, bringing the total square footage to 100,000. Remodeling and expansion continued through the 1990s.
In 1958 the bowling alleys were relocated in an addition and the space was converted into a cafeteria – the States Room. As the student body increased in size, it became evident that the Memorial Union had to grow as well. On November 5, 1964, an addition was dedicated, bringing the total square footage to 100,000. Remodeling and expansion continued through the 1990s.
Extent
1 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Overview
The collection contains student employee guidelines and policies, Memorial Union 50 Anniversary and Rededication, department files, Memorial Union history, annual reports, building construction and plans, Memorial Union expansion and remodeling. The materials are arranged in original order and folder titles were retained.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Transferred by Ann Marschke (Acc. 2016-015ua).
Legal Status
The North Dakota State University Archives owns the property rights to this collection.
- Title
- Finding Aid to the Memorial Union Records
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the University Archives Repository
Contact:
West Building
3551 7th Avenue N
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu
West Building
3551 7th Avenue N
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu