Old Main Lane on the University Center’s 2nd floor is a sneak peek, temporary display that celebrates UW-Whitewater history and provides a taste of the future Old Main Lane Permanent Historical Display, which is scheduled to open in 2018 as part of the celebration of the 150 years of UW-Whitewater history and excellence. As we look forward to our Sesquicentennial Celebration beginning in April 2018, we are looking back through history to see how we have become the internationally acclaimed university that we are today. You’re invited to join us as we step back through time, and take a walk down memory lane.
On Wednesday, October 5th, a reception was held in the UC’s Old Main Ballroom to celebrate the coming Old Main Lane display. It was an exciting evening shared with faculty, staff, and students. Members of the Old Main Lane LEAP Team and Committee were in attendance to share with guests their vision for the permanent display, the progress that has been made, as well as speak about special upcoming events that are happening in collaboration with the display, and the Sesquicentennial Celebration. Speakers included Kim Adams, Chloe Rettinger, Jan Bilgen, Eli Krause, Deronica Goldsmith (from Andersen Library’s Special Collections), and Pete Killoran (from Sociology, Criminology, and Anthropology).
One of the highlights of the evening included the first public showing of a video that combines visual images of the 1970 Old Main Fire, with audio from a 1992 interview with Dr. I.W. “Ike” Schaffer about his memories from that fateful night. Though still a work in progress, it was four minutes that guests sat in silence and awe, as they watched the fire unfold before their eyes. After the program concluded, guests were then given time explore the display and step back through UW-Whitewater history.
- Upcoming Events for the Old Main Lane Permanent Display:
- Fall 2016 – Archeological Dig of the West Wing of Old Main
- Founders Day 2017 – Collection of UW-Whitewater Artifacts and Memorabilia from past alumni, faculty, and staff
- Homecoming 2017 – Collection of UW-Whitewater Artifacts and Memorabilia from past alumni, faculty, and staff
If you would like to get involved with the Old Main Lane Permanent Historical Display, please contact Kim Adams at (262)472-1477 or adamsk@uww.edu, or Chloe Rettinger at (262)472-3193 or RettingeCL18@uww.edu
