Slide Files, 1948-1991 | University of Illinois Archives

In 1944, the Board of Trustees approved the establishment of the Small Homes Council.¹

The purpose of the council was to focus "talents on the small home problems, rural and urban." Its objectives were to inform the public on all home building problems and solutions, "to keep abreast of all that is new", and to work continually for the improvement of homes and housing. It was to publish "bulletins and circulars in convenient form on all subjects pertaining to planning, financing and building the home." Homes were to be built on campus to demonstrate good homes to thousands of visitors to the campus.²

Students in University courses which relate to construction, design, and management of the home would have advantages of practical studies. Financing was expected from sponsors.³

In 1955 the responsibility for the director to report directly to the University president was changed so that he reported to the Dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts.⁴ The council issues non-technical circulars for home owners and planners, publishes research reports and presents short courses for contractors, builders, mortgage lenders and others.

1. Board of Trustees Transactions, 43rd Report, September 29, 1944, pp. 214-15.

2. Ibid., p. 214.

3. Ibid., p. 215.

4. Board of Trustees Transactions, 48th Report, May 19, 1955, p. 353.