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Meet Me at the TUB Exhibit Graphic 2

Meet Me at the TUB Graphic for The Built Environment Physical Exhibit at USU's Merrill-Cazier Library.

2018-02

08-Meet me at the TUB.pdf

Student Facilities at Utah State
The college experience has always been part study and part social life. Aggies value their education, but also enjoy social activities, recreation, relaxation, and taking a break from their studies. USU’s built environment reflects these student needs.

(Repeat Chorus)
I went into the Main Hall,
‘Twas empty as a tomb,
But over in the club house,
There’s barely standing room.
(Repeat Chorus)
Oh Saturdays I missed my home,
‘Twas then we used to scrub.
But now when I feel lonely,
I jump into the TUB.
(Repeat Chorus)

College Bluebird (1920-1974)
While not part of the campus proper, the College Bluebird holds a special place in the heart of many former Aggies. The Cardon family opened the extension of the downtown café on College Hill during the 1920s. The ban on campus smoking, which endured until after WWII, made the “Bird” a favorite hangout for those students and faculty who enjoyed a cigarette with their coffee. Although it remained open until 1974, the Cardon family sold the property to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) in 1962. Today, sections of the LDS Institute of Religion occupy the site of the former College Bluebird.

Home Economics/Commons (1935-)
Despite the Great Depression, USAC added some of its most architecturally interesting structures during the 1930s. Completed in 1935 using federal Public Works Administration (PWA) funds, the Home Economics Building (Family Life), housed the School of Home Economics, along with the student newspaper and yearbook offices. It also included a bookstore and cafeteria, and served as the campus commons. Considered one of Utah’s finest examples of Art Deco style architecture, the National Park Service listed it on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

Temporary Union Building (1945-1952)
In 1945, determined Aggies remodeled the old army mess hall (moved to campus during WWII), transforming it into the Temporary Union Building (or TUB for short). Students danced, sipped Coca-Cola, and listened to the popular music of the day. One student even celebrated the TUB by composing his own rendition of the Andrews Sisters’ Pistol Packin’ Mama.

The front of the Student Union Building (Taggart Student Center) shortly after completion, c. 1952.
USU Special Collections and Archives, A-Board Collection, Image 84

Students in front of the College Bluebird, notice the two gentlemen in the foreground with their cigarettes, c. 1940.
USU Special Collections and Archives, A-Board Collection, Image 286

The Student Union Building eastern remodel at night.
USU Special Collections and Archives, A-Board Collection, Image 66a