Category Archives: Found in the Archives

The “Wind, Motion, and Freedom” of Lillian Gatlin, UIUC’s Pioneering Aviatrix

By Anna Trammell | Published: March 13, 2018

This guest post was written by Nathan Tye. Nathan is a doctoral candidate in the Department of History at the University of Illinois and the Assistant Book Review Editor of Middle West Review. The early history of aviation is filled with pioneers and “firsts” whose accomplishments were quickly overshadowed by more impressive feats. Lillian Gatlin, […]

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Reflections on Opening Day 150 years Ago – 2 March 1868

By Ellen Swain | Published: March 1, 2018

Gregory Behle, Professor at The Master’s University in Santa Clarita, California, and kick-off presenter of the Archives Sesquicentennial Speakers Series, March 2, 2017, authored this post at the request of the Student Life and Culture Archives to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first day of class.  Behle’s research focuses on accessibility, student life, and campus […]

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“A Mad Mixture of Sleigh Bells and Telephone Bells”: The History of Dial-a-Carol at the University of Illinois

By Anna Trammell | Published: December 8, 2017

The holiday season is once again upon us and along with it an Illinois tradition returns. From December 14 until December 21, thousands of callers from around the world will dial in to Snyder Hall 24 hours a day to be serenaded with yuletide tunes. Betty Gordon is commonly credited with conceiving of the Dial-a-Carol […]

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Campus Life on the Silver Screen: The 1916 Film “Pro Patria”

By Anna Trammell | Published: April 21, 2017

  Betty Gibson, a University of Illinois freshman, is attracted to a wealthy classmate named Eduardo Salazar. Between registering for classes, attending parties at fraternity houses, watching baseball games, and conducting experiments in the chemistry laboratory, Betty realizes her true love is actually fellow student Happy Harding and the two become engaged. Meanwhile, Dale tries to win back […]

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The First Years of U of I Student Life: Sesquicentennial Speakers Series Kickoff

By Ellen Swain | Published: February 23, 2017

The First Years of University of Illinois Student Life…with Reflections on Today, 1868-2017 March 2, 2017 University of Illinois Archives, Rm 146 Main Library 7pm-8:30pm March 2, 1868, marked the first day of class at the newly established Illinois Industrial University.  Who were the University of Illinois’ earliest students?  What did they study?  Where and […]

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