HISTORY
At the beginning of 20th century a member of Class of 1912 George O. Hayes proposed the idea of building a Union at Purdue University that could serve as place where all the University members could center, and as a place to receive alumni, guests and visitors. A Financial Campaign Committee consisting of students, alumni, faculty, University President and a trustee was set up by the student council to execute the idea and collect funds. The fund drive was a success and funds continued to grow until the onset of World War I.
At the end of the war, Purdue community members believed that the union should serve as a permanent memorial to the 4013 people who serve and 67 who died for the country during the war. Hence, the building was named “Purdue Memorial Union”.
Several measures were taken to increase the funds for constructing the union. The partially completed building was opened on 6th September, 1924. The original building was completed in 1929. The main floor's central region was called the Great Hall and it was the official place for informal gathering. The Assembly hall, now known as the Southern Ballroom was used for large group meetings and special dinners. The second floor had lounges and student activity rooms for organizations. The ground floor had TV dining room, sweet shop, soda fountain and beauty shop.
At the end of the war, Purdue community members believed that the union should serve as a permanent memorial to the 4013 people who serve and 67 who died for the country during the war. Hence, the building was named “Purdue Memorial Union”.
Several measures were taken to increase the funds for constructing the union. The partially completed building was opened on 6th September, 1924. The original building was completed in 1929. The main floor's central region was called the Great Hall and it was the official place for informal gathering. The Assembly hall, now known as the Southern Ballroom was used for large group meetings and special dinners. The second floor had lounges and student activity rooms for organizations. The ground floor had TV dining room, sweet shop, soda fountain and beauty shop.
The Stained Glass Window near the main staircase at PMU has a history behind it. This window was dedicated to the memory of President James H. Smart from 1882 - 1900 by Alice Earl Stewart in 1940.
The upper portion of the four separate panels of the stained glass window has four main figures : Mother Earth, Sister Water, Brother Wind and Brother Fire. Below these four main figures are 12 other figures depicting various disciplines offered by Purdue including train, bridge, a dynamo, a tractor, a rabbit and a Tulip. The bright colors of blue, red, yellow, purple and green symbolize the mixing of students of all creed and races within its wall.
The upper portion of the four separate panels of the stained glass window has four main figures : Mother Earth, Sister Water, Brother Wind and Brother Fire. Below these four main figures are 12 other figures depicting various disciplines offered by Purdue including train, bridge, a dynamo, a tractor, a rabbit and a Tulip. The bright colors of blue, red, yellow, purple and green symbolize the mixing of students of all creed and races within its wall.
PRESENT DAY
The ground floor consists of a chain of 13 restaurants, the Bowling Center, UPS Store, ATM's, The Purdue Shop, Evans- Piggott & Finney Eye care. The main floor consists of
1. Lounges that is accessible to all Purdue University Students. 2. Purdue Welcome Center- Serves all guests to the University by answering questions, providing resource publications, and giving campus tours. 3. Southern Ballroom - Hall for hosting large group meetings and activities The second floor mainly consists of office rooms and conference rooms. |
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