April 7, 2016
Digging up the 'real' dirt on University of Calgary's history
The University Archives has created a display of archival materials as part of the 50th Anniversary.
Riley Brandt, University of Calgary
2016 marks 50 years of the University of Calgary being part of this vibrant, energetic city. Capturing and summarizing five decades of history isn’t easy. What do you focus on? Who do you focus on? What counts as an historic moment? These are some of the questions the team at University Archives asked themselves when they created an exhibit in recognition of our rich history.
What was the University Archives' first choice of materials to go into their 50th Anniversary display? A shovel. And a bag of dirt.
However, there is undisputed historical significance to this shovel and dirt — the shovel was used in the 1958 groundbreaking ceremony on the site of what is now the University of Calgary, but was then “empty prairie and dust.” And the dirt? It's the first shovelful of sod that someone at the time considered worthwhile to retain for posterity, and which has sat in storage in the University Archives since that day.
The other materials in the 50th Anniversary display were chosen to highlight the theme This Was Then. The records include photographs of the Queen competitions from the 1950s and early 60s when female students vied first for the title of their Faculty Queen and ultimately that of Queen of the University of Calgary. Also included are programs for annual balls, and pamphlets with advice on etiquette and the proper choice of clothing for the young co-ed.
A shovel and bag of dirt saved from the 1958 campus groundbreaking ceremony.
Who wears short shorts?
The story of the university crest and logos is also on display. And did you know the university has an official tartan? The first yard cut from the first bolt of this cloth provides the backdrop to records that show the evolution of the university’s institutional symbols.
University athletics are included in the display, where photographs and yearbooks from the 1950s and 60s give a flavour of early intramural and intercollegiate sports on campus, along with a sweatshirt and track shorts from 1963.
A aerial view of campus from the Archives.
Can you spot the differences?
If you are up for a challenge, you can test your knowledge of the transformation on campus over the years. An aerial photo shows the grounds in 1984. Staff at Archives counted 30 differences when compared to campus today.
The records on display are just a few of those that can be found in the two kilometres of records held by the University Archives. The display is up through mid-May and can be seen from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday on the fifth floor of the Taylor Family Digital Library (TFDL) Arts and Culture.
Come and visit — even in 20 minutes you can travel 50 years back in time.