1917
By the University's fiftieth anniversary, much had changed on campus. The now orderly campus had grown south of Green Street forming the quadrangle. Beautiful buildings such as University Hall and Altgeld Hall, along with arching elm trees over the broadwalk, anchored the campus, and President Edmund James ushered in a golden age for the University. With America entering the war in Europe, the term “Fighting Illini" was created for those students heading overseas to fight.
University housing was still men only during this time and in this year the first dorm, Busey Hall, would open intended for women. However, the hall wouldn't yet receive women as the building was given over to the war effort to house soldiers. This exhibit recreates an example rooming house that would have been found in the neighborhood surrounding the campus. This was the housing choice for most women of the day.
Getting to School
Today, move-in days feature lines of cars and trucks unloading furniture, clothing, and electronics. In 1917, students brought their minimal possessions by train in trunks. The Illinois Central and Wabash Railroads served as the primary transportation choice for most students. From the three stations in town, students could reach every point of the United States. If you were a student coming from a surrounding community, you would likely have arrived by Interurban train.
Sports and Recreation
Tennis quickly became a popular sport around campus, especially for women. New clay courts were constructed at the corner of Wright Street and Springfield Avenue in 1914. Football was also popular on campus with famed UIUC football coach Robert "Bob" Carl Zuppke just four years into his illustrious 28-year coaching career with the university. In 1918, he led the team to their second conference title and a year later to their second national title.
Clothing
Women's fashion in the early part of the 20th century changed dramatically from the previous decades. Dresses began fastening in the front as more women lived on their own with less assistance dressing. Women were more active and their skirt lengths began shortening. Styles dictated that women wear fewer undergarments, such as petticoats, and less corseting. This particular dress is a simple embroidered blue linen, typically worn to class or informal social events.
World War I
In 1917, the United States was just entering the Great War and the “Fighting Illini”, the term given to student soldiers during the war, were heading to the front. At this time, the only University student housing was the Busey Hall. However, student soldiers took priority over all others and therefore women continued to live off-campus. Sentiment for the war had been mixed in the lead up to 1917, but once the U.S. was involved the nation began rallying around President Wilson and the entire war effort.
