The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s archives department has put together a collection of photos showing how student housing in the US has changed over the past 110 years.
This woman’s dorm room from 1898 isn’t much different from modern day dorms: Pennants, books, and a chair for studying. |
Photographs and mementos kept things homey in this room, 1899. |
A dorm room in old Chadbourne Hall, ca. 1899. |
Male students raised a glass in a boarding house or fraternity, 1909. |
Male students room in boarding house or fraternity, 1909. |
Man sitting in boarding house or fraternity house room reading. Pinups and other decorations on south wall, 1912. |
Young student sleeping in a men's boarding house or fraternity house room, ca. 1912. |
1912-1913. |
An ad for a room in 1927 noted perks like running water, a phone, and an iron. |
This single dorm room from the 1930s appeared to be filled with souvenirs from exotic adventures. |
Students studied on bunk beds in this barracks-style dorm, ca. 1945. |
Single men's living quarters, bunks and linens furnished, rent $13/person/month, No smoking. ca. 1945. |
The university had separate housing for married students and families, ca. 1946. |
Students studied around a communal table, ca. 1950s. |
Just a bunch of guys hanging out, eating melon, ca. 1950s. |
A record party with Elizabeth Waters Hall residents, ca. 1950s. |
Two women in room in Holt Dormitory, 1950s. |
A guy studying in dorm room, ca. 1950s. |
Two women sitting in mock-up dorm room in Chadbourne Hall, ca. 1950s. |
Man playing guitar by Christmas tree while two others listen/sing; pictures of Russian buildings on window and Russian text reading "Merry Christmas," December 1958. |
Student dormatory room, ca. 1960s. |
Residence hall room., 1963. |
Married student housing, ca. 1960s. |
Students playing foosball by Budweiser sign, ca. 1970s. |
Double room, ca. 1970s. |
Double room, ca. 1970s. |
Single room, complete with a lofted bed, hanging chair, and dreamcatcher, ca. 1970s. |
Single room, ca. 1970s. |
Two women talking in dorm room in Ogg East, ca. 1970s. |
Triple Room, ca. 1970s. |
Student "bar" in dorm room, ca. 1970-1980. |
TVs started appearing in dorm rooms, distracting students everywhere, 1983. |
Students in dorm room, ca. 1980s. |
ca. 1980s |
Residence Hall room, 1986. |
A dorm room in 1987. |
Students studying in their residence hall den, May 1996. |
Residents in Slichter Hall playing Cranium, 2005. |
Man and woman chat in dorm room in Sellery Hall, 2008. |