1930s and 1940s
The Texas Union Ballroom became the focal point of activities during the 30s and 40s. During the day it was used as a lounge for the university community. At night, it became a ballroom, and during this period dances were held at least once a week. The All-University Dances generated the revenue to finance the day-to-day operations of the Union in the early years. All the leading bands of the day played here.
During World War II, the Union became the center of the campus' war-related activity. Draft registration was held here as well as classes in bandage rolling and civil defense. Navy V-12 students, restricted to campus, depended upon the Union for leisure activities. The Union sponsored a dating bureau for them, and a Navy band occasionally played for dances. Records were often substituted for live music because war-related gas and rubber rationing limited big band touring schedules.
The Ballroom/Main Lounge
A Typical '40s Gathering...