Union History - Texas Union 75th Anniversary

1930 - 1940 | 1950 | 1960 | 1970 | 1980 | 1990

In the Beginning

The Texas Union opened its doors in 1933, the fiftieth anniversary year of The University of Texas at Austin. A massive fund-raising campaign conducted by the Ex-Students' Association had provided the impetus as well as half the funds for construction of the building. The goal was to provide cocurricular activity space for the university's students.

The Union was envisioned as the nerve center for the campus: a place where members of the university community could gather for discussion; association with other students and faculty; relaxation; and quiet contemplation. Lounges, meeting rooms, student organizational offices and a large ballroom were central spaces in the original building. The dining services and other second level spaces were not considered part of the Union at that time.

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.

Photos from 1930

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

  

 

Photos from 1940