On display in the AHC’s reading room is memorabilia from the papers of Elma Brown, a Moorcroft, Wyoming, native who graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1926 with a degree in home economics.

This display includes a scrapbook she created during her time as a UW student. The scrapbook contains a large number of photographs, news clippings, bulletins, some personal letters, dance cards (so fun!), programs, and other items related to UW. Additionally, other items related to Elma’s time at UW are her brown and gold beret, ribbons, and name tags. There is also one of her UW yearbooks.

The display illustrates what life was like for a young woman attending UW in the 1920s, a time when Wyoming was experiencing one of its wildest booms ever in oil production. In fact, it was thanks to Wyoming’s oil boom that funds were available to construct Half Acre Gym in 1925, which happened while Elma was attending UW.

The display was put together by one of the AHC’s student employees, Dylan May.

The display is open to anyone who would like to come by to see it. The reading room is open the rest of the week from 8am to 5pm (we’re closed Saturday and Sunday).

Other interesting items from the AHC for Homecoming Week:

• 1968 Wyoming v. Colorado State University football game film. The tradition of the Bronze Boot started in 1968. The film can be seen in the AHC’s Loggia on the 2nd floor.
• University of Wyoming yearbooks are available in the AHC’s Reading Room (4th floor).
• The AHC is sharing UW Homecoming history through photos posted on Facebook and Twitter this week.

The AHC is a place to get information not found in many books or even online sources. We have firsthand data and evidence from letters, reports, notes, memos, photographs, audio and video recordings, and other primary sources. We’re accessible onsite on the UW campus and online at uwyo.edu/ahc. We also hold the archives of the University of Wyoming, so anyone interested in that history is welcome to come by. No appointment needed!