New Special Collections Exhibit at Idaho University Oboler Library showcases University during first three decades

Idaho State University’s special collections department in the Oboler Library is now featuring the display “From Academy to Southern Branch.”

The exhibition was set up by student Matt Shugert, senior, who wanted people to see what the university was like when it first opened in 1901.

“It is important for people to know the history of the institution,” said Shugert. “I felt like I needed to get this history out for people to see.”

The exhibit features pictures of historic buildings, student life on campus and the transportation students used. A map is also on display that shows what used to be on ISU’s campus and how it has changed.

There are pictures of Frazier Hall in 1924 and of students in “Shanty Town,” where they build homes out of cardboard boxes during the Great Depression. Shugert’s favorite picture is also on display; one of students in the first car on campus. All photos were found in the University archives.

“These photos give people perspective of what campus used to look like and student’s behavior and dress,” said Shugert.

The exhibit is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. The exhibit is free and open to the public. It will be on display until the end of the semester.

Shugert also put together an exhibit showing the early history of Pocatello, which is on display on the second floor of the Oboler Library.