Examining history of the past and present through historical Mizzou postcards and current photos
The University of Missouri Archives has hundreds of historical postcards in their collection. We can learn a lot of history from these postcards as well as see how places around campus have changed over decades.
Read Hall
Read Hall on Oct. 18, 2023 in Columbia, Mo.
Postcard of Read Hall postally dated in Columbia, Mo. on June 30, 1910.
Read Hall was constructed in 1903 as the University of Missouri’s first female dormitory building, and was later converted in 1949 to the University’s Student Union Building. Despite a petition from students, the building was demolished in June of 2022 due to the cost of maintaining the building. A bench now stands where the building once was, honoring “all those who called it home.
The Quad and Columns
Francis Quadrangle and Columns on Sep 29, 2023 in Columbia, Mo.
Postcard of homecoming activities on the Quad in Columbia, Mo. in the early 1900s. Courtesy of MU Archives c0-46-7_bx1_ff9
Today, the Quad & Columns are an iconic MU location for students to take pictures & hang out with friends. In the early 1900’s, cannonballs were fired off during the annual Homecoming parade on The Quad.
Ellis Library
Ellis Library in Columbia, Mo. on Oct. 18, 2023.
Seasons greeting postcard of Ellis Library in Columbia, Mo. in the late 1910’s. Courtesy of MU Archives, c-0-46_Bx1_ff1
Ellis Library was constructed in 1915 and named after the 13th university President Elmer Ellis in 1972. Since its origin, it has had three different additions built on, with the latest renovation being in 2000.
Memorial Union
Memorial Union on Sep. 29, 2023 in Columbia, Mo.
Postcard of Memorial Union in Columbia, Mo. pre-1950. Courtesy of MU Archives, c0-46-7_Bx1
After 117 University of Missouri students were killed in World War I, fundraising began in 1921 for Memorial Union to honor the alumni who had been killed in service. It wasn’t until 1950 that the North Wing was constructed and 1962 until the South Wing was added, forming the Memorial Union students recognize today. The physics building was originally located next to Memorial Union, constructed in 1912, the building is now named Stewart Hall.
Lewis and Clark Buildings
Lewis and Clark Buildings on Sep. 29, 2023 in Columbia, Mo.
Postcard of the Lewis and Clark buildings in Columbia, Mo.
The Lewis and Clark Buildings were built in 1964 for undergraduate and graduate student housing, and are now home to the College of Health Sciences. In summer of 2023, the College of Health and Sciences announced a $5 million renovation project in Clark Hall with modern classrooms, student collaboration spaces and a new entrance.