November 5, 2023

By Lily Kleinhenz

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 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

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 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

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

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.