Then and Now: Memorial Union Theater, UW-Madison

Then.  Beyond the theater, the Chemical Engineering Building sits on the current site of Helen C. White Library.

From Retiring Guy's postcard collection

Now

From the Wisconsin Union Historical Timeline

1937 
On May 4, 1937, the Board of Regents authorizes the Union to proceed with plans for construction of the Union Theater and new west wing facilities. The concept of including a theater in the Union had existed during the early planning days before the Union was built, but a lack of funds prevented its construction until the late 1930's.

1939
The Union Theater opens with the performance of "Taming of the Shrew" staring Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. The Theater Wing addition also includes new Hoofer quarters, a craftshop, and eight bowling lanes.

1969 
During the political and social unrest of the 1960s, Union programs reflect the times, including a week-long symposium called "The Black Revolution: To What Ends?" Speakers include Jesse Jackson, Andrew Young, and Nathan Wright. Also in 1969, the University cancels a production of Peter Pan in the Play Circle Theater, which leads to a campus-wide ban on nudity in all University drama programs.

Compare postcard with 1945 photo on page 40

Other Madison Then and Now posts:
Lake Mendota from Memorial Union Terrace.  (9/29/2017
Forest Products Laboratory.  (11/1/2015)
Sellery Residence Hall, UW-Madison.  (10/5/2015)
Loraine Hotel/Condominiums.  (10/5/2015)
A view from Bascom Hill.  (9/26/2015)
Pinckney Street on the Capitol Square.  (9/23/2015)
Park Hotel/Inn on the Park, Madison Wisconsin.  (9/8/2015)
U.S Post Office and Courthouse/Madison (WI) Municipal Building.  (9/2/2015)
City-County Building.  (9/1/2015)
Veterans Administration Hospital. (8/27/2015)
The Red Gym:  When will the unobstructed view return?  (7/22/2015)
UW-Madison College of Agriculture.  (7/22/2015)
Wisconsin State Historical Society.  (7/21/2015)
UW-Madison Memorial Union.  (7/21/2015)
240 West Gilman.  (9/6/2013)
North Carroll Street between West Johnson and West Gorham.  (9/5/2013)
East Mifflin & North Pinckney.  (8/30/2013)