Memorial Union

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HISTORY Welcome to Memorial Union. After World War I, students and teachers called for a memorial to the University’s lost soldiers. In 1921, funding and construction began for a “Memorial Union” and a “Memorial Stadium,” and the Union was completed in 1926. Construction on the building’s North Wing started in 1930; due to the Great Depression, however, further work was halted. The tower stood alone for almost twenty-five years. In 1951, after World War II, plans for the North Wing began again and completed for occupation in 1952. Finally, in August of 1963, the South Wing was constructed, completing the memorial. Click on the photos below to see the Union's expansion.

Thanks to the University of Missouri archives, we were also able to find a bulletin from 1923, detailing Memorial Union's development. Feel free to flip through the text to get an even greater picture of Mizzou's evolution!

References:"History of the University of Missouri". University of Missouri Office of Web Communications. Accessed February 22, 2017.
http://missouri.edu/about/history/history-mu.php.
"Memorial Union." MU in Brick and Mortar. 2006. Accessed February 20, 2017.
http://muarchives.missouri.edu/historic/buildings/Union/.

1920 - Planning construction of Memorial Union
The 1920 Savitar shows a sketch of the prospective "Student Union." The monument was erected in honor of the former students who lost their lives during the World War I. Construction on the tower began three years later., Savitar, 1920. page 67.
1923 - Construction of Memorial Union
Construction on Memorial Student Union begins in 1923., Savitar, 1923. page 162.
1930 - Memorial Union Tower
This picture from the 1930 displays the complete construction of the original tower. However, the tower stood alone for quite sometime. It wasn't until 1950 that the north wing would finally come about., Savitar, 1930. page 236.
1953 - Planning the south wing of Memorial Union
This drawing from the 1953 edition of the Savitar proposes a look at the completed Memorial Union. At the time, though, on the north wing had been built. Only in 1962, with the addition of the south wing, would Memorial Union resemble this drawing., Savitar, 1953. page 14.
1959 - North wing addition to Memorial Union
A face-view of Memorial. Notice how on the right side of the photo, Memorial seems to be missing a wing. This south wing wasn't constructed until two years later., Savitar, 1959. page 74.
1962 - South wing addition to Memorial Union
A view of Memorial Union after the completion of the south wing., Savitar, 1962. page 174.
Memorial Union and Stadium (Text)
Cover title.