From Normal to University: The St. Cloud State Campus Since 1869

"From Normal to University: The St. Cloud State Campus Since 1869" exhibit provides snapshots in time of how the campus has transformed using information and images from University Archives.

Since classes were first held at the Stearns House on September 15, 1869, the physical campus of St. Cloud State has drastically changed and expanded.  Except for the period between 1946 and 1974, in which the campus grew in leaps and bounds, much of that change has been slow.

With the Baby Boomer generation coming of age, the period between 1958 and 1974 proved to be exciting but somewhat controversial. A vibrant neighborhood was quickly displaced by a rapidly expanding St. Cloud State that needed classroom and housing space fast for a new generation of students.

A few spaces not actively shown in this exhibit include George W. Friedrich Park, Talahi Woods, Talahi Lodge, and the Beaver Islands.

The exhibit also includes a gallery of selected maps of the St. Cloud State campus over time.

University Archives has created historic individual building profiles for many campus buildings. In addition, also see the Faces Behind the Places exhibit that explores the people who have St. Cloud State buildings named in their honor.

Credits

Exhibit created in the summer of 2018 by Tom Steman and Kayla Stielow with additional support from the University Library and St. Cloud State's sesquicentennial committee. Special thanks to Marian Rengel and John Stielow.