As Illinois State University begins the celebration of its 150th
year, the history of the state’s first public institution of higher
education can be seen through photos and memorabilia in display cases
throughout Milner Library.
Sixteen displays on the first, third, fourth, fifth and sixth floors of the University library have been organized into a walking tour by Toni Tucker, assistant to the dean.
“While deciding what Milner Library could do to contribute the ISU's 150th celebration, it occurred to me that the Archives has a lot of treasures and the library has a lot of empty display cases,” Tucker said. “Working with University Archivist Jo Rayfield and library folks, the project developed. Displays will be changed periodically throughout the 150th celebration.”
The Floor One cases display ISU athletic memorabilia including trophies, historical photos, game balls and a letterman sweater. Another case provides a look at the evolution of Milner Library. Floor Three has cases showing postcards of campus, catalogs from the early years of the Normal University and the history of Old Main, including a replica of the building which was featured at the 1939 World’s Fair in Chicago.
Floor Four displays photos of the Geography department field trips and six cases of materials from the Stevenson Collection. On Floor Five, visitors can see a photographic history of the more the 90-year existence of a University model farm.
The display cases on Floor Six highlight the history of student clubs and organizations including the first YWCA college chapter, Gamma Phi Circus, dance, theatre and music groups and the history of Commencement exercises through photos, programs and other memorabilia.
