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Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies News

From the Archives: Student Recreation

October 8th, 2017

Throughout Purdue’s history, students, faculty, and staff have enjoyed recreational activities on all parts of campus.  This photograph shows one of the more popular activities that was enjoyed throughout the year.  Can you tell what is happening here, when, and where this picture was taken?  Share your theories in the comments and we’ll reveal the whole story on Friday.

UPDATE:

This mystery photo shows students enjoying the old horseshoe pitch that stood outside Memorial Gymnasium.  According to a 1927 booklet on “Purdue in Athletics” published by the Department of Physical Education for Men, horseshoe pitching was a popular activity between class sessions and in the evenings, enjoyed by both students and faculty.

Following its dedication in 1909, the Memorial Gymnasium served as a space for various athletic and recreational events, commencement ceremonies, and later as a gymnasium for women.  In 1985, the facility was renovated into the Computer Science Building.  Since 2006, it has been known as Felix Haas Hall in honor of Felix Haas, a former faculty member and administrator who helped develop Purdue’s computer science program.

The location of this photograph is now the site of­ Honor Tracks, the newest monument on campus, which spells out the words of the student honor pledge within a railroad track.  Honor Tracks is visible in this photograph with Haas Hall in the background.

Please join us again on Monday, October 23, for our next From the Archives mystery challenge.