Blog
Der Stiftskeller reopens with murals, history still intact
By Mark Bennett Following four months of renovations and restorations as part of the Memorial Union Reinvestment (MUR), Der Stiftskeller has reopened and is ready to welcome back patrons. The upgrade brought the area up to code as well as reconfigured the bar to improve customer service. Still, the space’s iconic charm remains—as the classic wooden tables, replete with initials and doodles carved into them over the decades, rustic light fixtures and whimsical murals return. “These details are important,” said Union Director Mark Guthier. ...
read moreThe Union featured on PBS Visionaries
By Nancy Payne x’16 When we think about the Wisconsin Union, we think about relaxing on the Memorial Union Terrace on a warm summer day, football tailgates before a Badger home game at Union South and cozying up in Der Rathskeller with friends and colleagues when the winter cold seems to have gotten the best of us. What you might not know is that the Union is one of the founding organizations of the Association of College Unions International (ACUI). To honor its 100th anniversary, ACUI invited the Wisconsin Union to be featured as one...
read moreThrowback Thursday: Winter Games
Take a look back in time each week with Throwback Thursdays as we post photos and snapshots from the Union’s amazing history. Find out interesting facts and stories from some of the Union’s favorite people, places and things. We’re eager to hear your stories and memories from the Union as well, so share in the comments section below!
read moreThrowback Thursday: Unloading an innovative solution
Take a look back with us each week with Throwback Thursdays, including a special series this month on the odd and interesting original design flaws of Memorial Union. For all its beauty and functionality, Memorial Union opened with a long list of design flaws, some truly baffling that will finally be addressed through the Memorial Union Reinvestment. We’re eager to hear your stories and memories from the Union as well, so share in the comments section below! It is perhaps the most unattractive feature of Memorial Union. Negatively on...
read moreThrowback Thursday: Why the athletes stayed away
Take a look back with us each week with Throwback Thursdays, including a special series this month on the odd and interesting original design flaws of Memorial Union. For all its beauty and functionality, Memorial Union opened with a long list of design flaws, some truly baffling that will finally be addressed through the Memorial Union Reinvestment. We’re eager to hear your stories and memories from the Union as well, so share in the comments section below! When Memorial Union open in 1928, a space was carved out on the fourth floor,...
read moreThrowback Thursday: The Building without a Basement
Take a look back with us each week with Throwback Thursdays, including a special series this month on the odd and interesting original design flaws of Memorial Union. For all its beauty and functionality, Memorial Union opened with a long list of design flaws, some truly baffling that will finally be addressed through the Memorial Union Reinvestment. We’re eager to hear your stories and memories from the Union as well, so share in the comments section below! Deep in the throes of the Great Depression, the Works Project Administration (WPA)...
read moreThrowback Thursday: The many design flaws of Memorial Union
Take a look back with us each week with Throwback Thursdays, including a special series this month on the odd and interesting original design flaws of Memorial Union. For all its beauty and functionality, Memorial Union opened with a long list of design flaws, some truly baffling that will finally be addressed through the Memorial Union Reinvestment. We’re eager to hear your stories and memories from the Union as well, so share in the comments section below! Sinks without faucets. Sinks without drains. Missing electrical outlets. No...
read moreThrowback Thursday: Memorial Union’s first winter, 1928
Take a look back in time each week with Throwback Thursdays as we post photos and snapshots from the Union’s amazing history. Find out interesting facts and stories from some of the Union’s favorite people, places and things. We’re eager to hear your stories and memories from the Union as well, so share in the comments section below!
read moreThrowback Thursday: Making Ornaments, Christmas Decorating Party, 1949
Take a look back in time each week with Throwback Thursdays as we post photos and snapshots from the Union’s amazing history. Find out interesting facts and stories from some of the Union’s favorite people, places and things. We’re eager to hear your stories and memories from the Union as well, so share in the comments section below!
read moreThrowback Thursday: Snow-covered bicycles outside Wisconsin Union Theater
Take a look back in time each week with Throwback Thursdays as we post photos and snapshots from the Union’s amazing history. Find out interesting facts and stories from some of the Union’s favorite people, places and things. We’re eager to hear your stories and memories from the Union as well, so share in the comments section below!
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