When SMU opened in 1915, students and faculty knew that they were creating precedents and traditions about how to celebrate holidays. In the early days of the twentieth century, much like today, students learned to balance studying for exams and celebrating Christmas. And much like today, authority figures worried about the balance between secular fun and…Continue Reading Christmas at Southern Methodist University—The Early Years
Collection Spotlight: Edward Gustav Eisenlohr art work and papers
Edward Gustav Eisenlohr was born in Ohio to a family of German immigrants. When he was two years old the family relocated to Dallas, where his father established Eisenlohr Drug Store. As a young boy living in Dallas, E. G. Eisenlohr showed a strong aptitude in art, a trait which continued into his adult life….Continue Reading Collection Spotlight: Edward Gustav Eisenlohr art work and papers
Preparing for the Christmas Holiday in 1929
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your list of things to do before December 25th? Step back in time and visit toys from the 1920s from JCPenney. Although JCPenney started in 1902, by 1929, the company was operating nationwide, had 1,395 stores, and was just beginning to pursue colorful advertising. This special 1929 Christmas booklet included…Continue Reading Preparing for the Christmas Holiday in 1929
Having Fun at Hamon the Origami Way
“I can’t!” “I have never done origami before.” These comments were some of the responses Hamon Arts Library student assistants and others gave when they were first approached with the idea of “Taking an Origami Break.” However, after encouraging a few people – “Just try one easy one” – many participants were hooked!…Continue Reading Having Fun at Hamon the Origami Way
WFAA Newsfilm Collection: Highlights from 1969
For my next trip into the WFAA Newsfilm Collection, I have chosen to focus on two musicians’ visits to Dallas in 1969. First up, Glen Campbell, who also brought his TV show to the Dallas Memorial Auditorium for a taping on June 20, 1969, shares his thoughts on the importance of keeping politics and entertainment…Continue Reading WFAA Newsfilm Collection: Highlights from 1969
CUL Digital Collections Update: November 2016
In November 2016, SMU’s Central University Libraries uploaded 265 items into CUL Digital Collections. Highlights include: The newly created Southern Methodist University Publications and Media Collection contains textual and visual publications created by students, staff, and/or professors of SMU, held by the SMU Archives. The student publications range from humor magazines to literary reviews to…Continue Reading CUL Digital Collections Update: November 2016
Interview with Hawn Gallery Exhibition Artist, Basil Kincaid
In late October, artist Basil Kincaid spent a week in Dallas installing the Hawn Gallery exhibition, R3clamation: Routes & Roots. During this time, he took a few moments for an interview with curatorial fellow, Georgia Erger, to discuss his personal history and vision as it informs the work in his exhibition. Thank you to Basil Kincaid, Georgia Erger,…Continue Reading Interview with Hawn Gallery Exhibition Artist, Basil Kincaid
SMU’s First Official Holiday
Rather than waiting for Thanksgiving to enjoy their first holiday during that first semester in 1915, overjoyed students were treated to a day off on Tuesday, October 19 that year, courtesy of President Robert. S. Hyer. This first official holiday at Southern Methodist University was on “Dallas Day” at the State Fair of Texas. Classes…Continue Reading SMU’s First Official Holiday
Hawn Gallery Exhibiting Artist, Basil Kincaid, Visits Meadows Art Class
Hawn Gallery exhibiting artist, Basil Kincaid was on campus for a week prior to the opening of his exhibition, R3clamation: Routes & Roots. While this was a busy week of installation and exhibition preparation, Basil took time to explore SMU and engage with Meadows School of the Arts students. On Wednesday, October 26th, Basil visited…Continue Reading Hawn Gallery Exhibiting Artist, Basil Kincaid, Visits Meadows Art Class
Collection Spotlight: Vivian L. Aunspaugh Art Club records
The Vivian L. Aunspaugh Art Club was organized in 1945 by former and current students of Miss Vivian Louise Aunspaugh and others interested in studying art in Dallas. Miss Aunspaugh, a native of Virginia, studied art in New York and France prior to moving to Dallas in 1891. She soon taught art classes in local…Continue Reading Collection Spotlight: Vivian L. Aunspaugh Art Club records