Mynne Kuhn Schmidt Photographs, c. 1910, 1945-1948 | University of Illinois Archives

Photographs taken by Mynne Kuhn Schmidt (1925-2019), (College of Agriculture, Floriculture, 1948). She lived in Busey Hall for some of her time at the University of Illinois, and was also a member of the Floriculture Club. The six images likely date from Fall 1945 - Spring 1948, when Ms. Schmidt was a student at the University. Five of the six depict large figures or floats outside Greek houses and other residences, likely from Homecoming, and the sixth shows the Marching Illini on the field at Memorial Stadium. The latter image is a rare view taken from among the spectators.

Subjects include an alumni welcome banner (c. 1947), students (possibly including Ms. Schmidt), the Gamma Phi Beta sorority house, and large figures depicting UI football players, mascots, and a skull.

In addition to the photographs taken by Ms. Schmidt, this record series contains a c. 1910 postcard that depicts University of Illinois freshmen "before [the] sack rush."  The "sack rush" was a popular turn-of-the-century contest between University classes.

Also included is a letter from Ms. Schmidt's niece, the donor of the items.