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Vintage Photos of Dorm Life in the 1920s-1960s

While browsing the web, I stumbled up on a gold mine of vintage dorm life photos from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It featured students from the 1920s-1960s (and before & after these dates), having a fun time in school.

Let’s take a look at what I found on this Vintage Photo Tuesday (collection of vintage images blog posts)!

Vintage photo maybe 1950s or 1960s of two women hanging out in their door room studying and on the phone at the University of Wisconsin Madison

Students Gloria Fraidin and Marianne Johnson hang out in dorm room.

Vintage Photos of Dorm Life

1920s-1960s Images

Moving in Day! 1955 photo of students moving into their dorms. Look at those super white shoes in the trunk. Fancy!

1950s vintage photo of young men in 1955 moving into their Dorms at the University of Wisconsin Madison. 1950s fashion for men  & 1950s cars.

Source: University of Wisconsin—La Crosse. Special Collections and Area Research Center

Moving in with the help of Dad. An early 1950s photo.

I shared the below image in my last post on ‘Vintage Samsonite Advertising‘, but it was too good to not reshare again (those saddle shoes!).

Early 1950s photo of Moving into the dorm; UW-Madison. A young woman holding luggage, accompanied by two older men also holding luggage, stands in the hallway of a dormitory. C. 1950s

Source: Flickr-UW-Madison Archives Identifier: S05632

1955 (maybe a bit later) photo of two young women holding giant teddy bears in the students lounge in their residence.

I’m slightly terrifed of the bear on the right BUT our young woman’s leopard print capris & matching collar on her sweater is to die for! Love!

1950s vintage photo of two young university students in 1950s fashions one in saddle shoes another in leopard print (capris pants & leopard print collar sweater) holding giant teddy bears at their residence hall. Vintage Dorm Life in Wisconsin

Source: Stevens Point Area Research Center : Lot 231, Box 23, Students-Candids, Folder 1

These co-eds make a fashion statement in stripes while relaxing in their dorm building. C. 1950s.

So many fun things to look at in this photo. The illustration of the girl in her loungewear on the wall. The cool Mid-Century curtains. Our one girl with a hair net on to protect her hairstyle and of course the stuffed animals. So fun!

1950s vintage photo of two young women at the university of Wisconsin Madison in striped pajamas in their dorm building having a a slumber party

Source: Flickr- UW-Stevens Point Identifier: Lot 231, Box 23, Students-Candids, Folder 1

1960 photo of students eating pizza and drinking sodas in their dorm room.

1960s vintage photo of three young women at the University of Wisconsin Madison in 1960s fashions eating pizza and drinking sodas in their dorm. -Vintage Dorm Life.

Source: University of Wisconsin—La Crosse. Special Collections and Area Research Center

1950s vintage photo of two young men learning how to iron.

1950s vintage photo of two young men in university learning how to iron while staying in the dorms. Dorm Life

Source: University of Wisconsin—La Crosse. Special Collections and Area Research Center

Whether it was the 1950s or the 1960s (like below), laundry had to get done.

Women students ironing in a dorm room in Trowbridge Hall, which opened in 1960. The building was named for faculty member and history professor Myrtle Trowbridge. C. 1961 (Source).

1960s vintage photo of women university students in their dorm at the University of Wisconisn doing the laundry and ironing

UW- La Crosse Identifier: UW-L photos_Activities_Studying

1920s photo: A group of female students lounge around their dorm room before bedtime.

1920s vintage photo of a group of young women in their dorm room hanging out in their pajamas at the University of Wisconsin Madison

Source: Flickr- UW-Madison Archives Identifier: S15006

1940s Photo: Ann Emory Hall bedroom with a young woman in 1940s fashions making notes.

1940s vintage photo: 1941 photo of a a girl in her College dorm room in Wisconsin in 1940s fashions

Source: Flickr-UW Madison Archives Identifier: S13067

This photo might fall into the 1970’s but it also could be late 1960s. I’m not 100% sure (no date on the photo), but it was too historical to not share. 3 young Black women share a laugh in their dorm room surrounded by posters of historial Black figures & a “Black is Beautiful” image.

vintage photo from the 1960s or 1970s of Black women in a dorm room at the University of Wisconsin Madison surrounded by Black Activists

Source: Flickr-UW-Madison Archives Identifier: S14102

An older woman holds a pillow while two younger women (in cute two piece skirt suits) stand by an open suitcase in a dorm room. C. 1940s

1940s Vintage photo of student life in a dorm at UW-Madison. An older woman holds a pillow while two younger women stand by an open suitcase in a dorm room. C. 1940s

Source: Flickr-UW Madison Archives Identifier: S05602

A Mid-Century decorated snack bar at the Sellery Hall Dorm, I think late 1960s. I love the Starburst clock and of course the cool Tiki’s on the wall.

1960s vintage photo of students at the University of Wisconsin Madison relaxing at the snack bar at Sellery Hall. The room is Mid Century with a Tiki feel on the wall

Source: Flickr-UW-Madison Archives Identifier: S12210

Party time at the dorm! Jack Vazina and Dave Thompson, in waiter uniforms, work the bar during a party in Swenson house of Kronshage hall. C. 1949.

1940s vintage photo from the University of Wisconsin-Madison of 2 young men,  Jack Vazina and Dave Thompson, in waiter uniforms, work the bar during a party in Swenson house of Kronshage hall. C. 1949. Vintage Dorm Life.
1940s vintage photo from the University of Wisconsin-Madison of 2 young men,  Jack Vazina and Dave Thompson, in waiter uniforms, drink from the taps at the bar during a party in Swenson house of Kronshage hall. C. 1949. Vintage Dorm Life.

Source: Flickr-UW-Madison Archives Identifier: S12187 & S12186

Sample women’s dorm room; UW-Madison.

Two women examine a sample dormitory room for women at Memorial Union. in 1935 (That is some coat on our lady on the right and I love her 1930s shoes. Very cute).

1930s vintage photo of two women one older and one younger in 1930s fashions looking at what a dorm room looks like at the University of Wisconsin Madison

Source: Flickr-UW-Madison Archives Identifier: S05648

1950s Photo: The “Dorm Den”. A “den where the boys relax” in one of the dormitories. A group of young men are reading, chatting and listening to the radio.

1950s photo of young men in the dorm den reading chatting and listening to the radio at the University of Wisconsin madison.

Source: University of Wisconsin–Madison. Archives : S05633

Room of the times. 1960s student dorm with posts of JFK, Peanuts, and Simon & Garfunkel.

1960s vintage photo of a Student dorm with posts of JFK, Peanuts, and Simon & Garfunkel at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Source: University of Wisconsin—Madison. Archives S16709

The last photo of this set is a fantastic one for those who love 1940s fashions & 1940s hairstyles because there are some stunning dresses and outfits in this photo from 1948.

Now what are we looking at exactly? Robert “Rabbit” Roemer, candidate for Dorm Duke, standing with his female admirers. What is “Dorm Duke”? No clue! If one of my readers know please share in the comments below.

1940s vintage photo from 1948 featuring young women in beautiful 1940s fashions at the University of Wisconsin Madison holding a sign to vote for a guy named rabbit for Dorm Duke (dressed as a rabbit).

Source: University of Wisconsin—Madison. Archives S17087

I hpoe you enjoyed this post on Dorm life in Wisconsin. Please share any thoughts you wish to share in the comments section below (maybe fav photo, what dorm life was like for you etc. ).

On a personal note, I lived in a dorm for one year when I attend “Toronto Metropolitan University from 1999-2003”. My first year in the big city and my first dorm experience (I had already attended 3 years of college at this point but lived at home). It was a lot of fun and I’m glad I did it.

Thanks for dropping by!

FURTHER READING:

Liz

Samsonite Vintage Advertising 1940s-1960s

If you have been following my blog for a long time then you know that I just LOVE travelling. Seeing the world or even the city next door is always so much fun.

Now when I travel I usually have some form of luggage with me (as most people do), and when I’m picking up my luggage from the carousel there is always one brand that I see everytime….Samsonite.

So for today’s blog post I’m going to be focusing on their vintage ads from the 1940s to the 1960s.

1960s vintage ad for samsonite luggage. Vintage travel ad.

Source: Etsy – AmericanCenturyShop

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay, are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. 

NOTE: If you click on any of the items featured below and they are not available, don’t fret! Hit the search button and see what else is on the websites. There are 1000’s and 1000’s of items being listed daily.


Samsonite Vintage Advertising 1940s-1960s

About Samsonite (high level):

Samsonite was founded in Denver, Colorado in 1910. The Shwayder Brothers, the company’s original founders, manufacture robust wooden trunks.

1941: The Samsonite brand first appeared on the Streamlite suitcase, an innovative luggage line made by covering wooden frame with vulcanized fibre. The name “Samsonite” was chosen to stress the brand’s core values of strength and durability by taking its name from the Biblical character Samson, renowned for his strength.

1956: The jet age brought about the launch of Samsonite’s innovative lightweight luggage. For the first time, wooden box construction gave way to a shift toward lighter materials, initially magnesium and ABS.

1973-Today (Read the rest HERE).

During the better part of the last 100 years, they have not only commercialized but also revolutionized the luggage industry with innovating industry styles and fashion to help us, to help the world travel happier (Source).

The Vintage Advertising:

Are you going on a cruise (or travelling in general)? Chose Samsonite “First Class”..”First Class for rugged construction & First Class details”. -1948 vintage ad.

Further Reading: What to Wear on a Cruise-The 1930s-1950s Edition

1940s Vintage Ad for Samsonite Luggage featuring luggage on a cruise ship. -1948 vintage ad.

Source: Etsy – AmericanCenturyShop

Samsonite Hat Box Ad from 1955 featuring “The colorful Case of the Cover Girls by Samsonite. New Samsonite Hat Box only $15”.

I adore these!!

1955 vintage hat box ad for Samsonite luggage featuring stylish women in 1950s clothing holding different coloured hat boxes - 1950s vintage ad

Source: Pinterest – Myvintagevogue

“Two never-before colors in Samsonite Silhouette…Willow & Deep Olive”. 1960s ad.

1960s vintage ad for Samsonite Luggage-The Samsonite Silhouette featuring a woman in green 1960s fashions holding luggage and man in deep olive suit holding luggage.

Source: Flickr

“Spring Travel Triumphs-Samsonite Fashiontone inspires new travel hats by John Frederics” (love the hats!) – 1951 vintage ad.

1950s Vintage Ad for Samsonite Fashiontone featuring Spring hats you can wear to match your luggage. 1951 ad.

Source: Etsy – AmericanCenturyShop

1950s or maybe early 1960s ‘Samsonite Train Case & Beauty Case Sale” advertisement. FIRST TIME EVER! I will take two please!

1950s Vintage Ad or 1960s Vintage ad for a Samsonite Luggage Train Case Sale. Featuring a Train Case & a Beauty Case

Source: Pinterest

“Samsonite…for happy holidays..all through the year” 1951 vintage ad.

1950s Vintage Ad-1951 Samsonite Luggage ad featuring gifts you can give at Christmas for men and women.

Source: Etsy – AmericanCenturyShop

“Santa says: If you want to be right…give SAMSONITE!” – 1954 vintage ad seen in a Life Magazine.

“For Her: The versatile Train Case…$17.50”

“For Him: Brief-and-overnight V.I.P. Case… $19.50”

1954 Samsonite Luggage Vintage Ad - Give the gift of luggage at Christmas time.

Source: Etsy-SwellVintageAds

“OLE!” “introducing Samsonite Sentry the new Vivid Look in Luggage starting at only $19.94”. -1963 vintage ad featuring a Matador surrounded by luggage and a 1960s couple.

1960s vintage ad: "OLE!" "introducing Samsonite Sentry the new Vivid Look in Luggage starting at only $19.94".  -1963 vintage ad featuring a Matador surrounded by luggage and a 1960s couple.

Source: Etsy – AmericanCenturyShop

“This vacation…no matter which you take…your’re smarter to take Samsonite” – 1953 ad.

1950s Vintage Ad: 1953 Samsonite Travel Luggage Vintage ad featuring all the places you can take your Samsonite with you.

Source: eBay

1948 Advertisement: “Smart family portrait…Vacation 1948”. “Candid photo of a smart family, all set for a wonderful summer vacation…..”

(I love the mom’s outfit! The combo of a red hat with a pink two piece skirt suit is fantastic).

1940s Vintage Ad: 1948 Samsonite Luggage ad featuring a 1940s family packed to go on their family vacation in 1948

Source: Etsy – AmericanCenturyShop

1950s vintage ad featuring college students on a weekend getaway.

1950s vintage ad for Samsonite Luggage featuring college students on a weekend getaway

Source: Pinterest

“If you traveled the way your luggage does, would you look as good as Samsonite?” 1967 Vintage Ad.

1960s Vintage Ad: Vintage 1967 Samsonite Silhouette Luggage Print Ad

Source: Etsy – AmericanCenturyShop

As we end this blog post, I just had to share this fun vintage photo. It is of a young woman holding luggage, accompanied by two older men also holding luggage, standing in the hallway of a dormitory. C. 1950s. I love the saddle shoes, and the excitement on the young woman’s face.

1950s vintage photo: A young woman holding luggage, accompanied by two older men also holding luggage, stands in the hallway of a dormitory. C. 1950s
UW-Madison Archives Identifier: S05632

Source: Flickr

I hope you enjoyed this post! It was another fun one to put together.

Question time! Do you own a Samsonite (vintage or modern)? Are they as great as the ads make them seem (I do own one but curious on how others feel)? Where have you gone with your luggage? Share in the comments section below.

Vintage Shopping: Would you like to own your vintage Samsonite? I have created an Etsy “collection” of the vintage luggage that you can purchase right now. You can find it HERE.

FURTHER READING:

Thanks for dropping by the Vintage Inn. See you soon!

Liz