The University of Kansas

Inside Spencer: The KSRL Blog

Books on a shelf

Welcome to the Kenneth Spencer Research Library blog! As the special collections and archives library at the University of Kansas, Spencer is home to remarkable and diverse collections of rare and unique items. Explore the blog to learn about the work we do and the materials we collect.

Throwback Thursday: Memorial Drive Edition

May 26th, 2016

Each week we’ll be posting a photograph from University Archives that shows a scene from KU’s past. We’ve also scanned more than 27,000 images from KU’s University Archives and made them available online; be sure to check them out!

In honor of Memorial Day, this week’s post highlights one of the war memorials on the KU campus.

Photograph of a car driving down Memorial Drive, 1940s

The road that became Memorial Drive, 1940s. In the background is Bailey Hall,
which used to have chimneys along its roof. University Archives Photos.
Call Number: RG 0/24/1 Memorial Drive 1940s Prints: Campus: Areas and Objects (Photos).
Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

Photograph of a couple walking along Memorial Drive, 1940s

A couple walking along an undeveloped Memorial Drive, 1940s.
They are near the west side of Snow Hall, shown in the background;
Jayhawk Boulevard is off the right side of the picture. University Archives Photos.
Call Number: RG 0/24/1 Memorial Drive 1940s Prints: Campus: Areas and Objects (Photos).
Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Melissa Kleinschmidt, Megan Sims, and Abbey Ulrich
Public Services Student Assistants

Throwback Thursday: Fall Preview Edition

September 11th, 2014

Each week we’ll be posting a photograph from University Archives that shows a scene from KU’s past. We’ve also scanned more than 1,700 images from KU’s University Archives and made them available online; be sure to check them out!

The official beginning of autumn may still be almost two weeks away, but this week we’re getting a preview of cooler fall-like weather on Mount Oread. Who else is ready for sweaters, colorful leaves, and pumpkin-flavored treats?

Photograph of a KU student resting surrounded by leaves, undated

In this undated photograph (circa 1990-2000), a KU student rests on a blanket
surrounded by leaves. Snow Hall can be seen in the background. University Archives Photos.
Call Number: RG 0/24/1 Trees No Date Prints: Campus: Areas and Objects (Photos).
Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Brian Nomura
Public Services Student Assistant