The Enduring Legacy of the Michigan League: A History
The Michigan League and Michigan Union stand as iconic landmarks at the University of Michigan, having shaped the social and academic experiences of generations of students. These buildings, which grace the west and north sides of Central Campus, respectively, have become integral to the university's identity since their establishment in 1919 and 1929. While their presence on campus is familiar, the story of their origins is less widely known.
The Vision: Separate Spaces for Men and Women
In the early 20th century, a distinct vision guided the development of campus spaces. It was generally accepted that men's activities would be concentrated south and west of campus, anchored by the Michigan Union and Ferry Field. Conversely, new facilities for women were planned north of campus, near Palmer Field and the Barbour Gymnasium. The Michigan League Building was strategically positioned on the east side of the Mall, north of North University Avenue and east of Hill Auditorium.
The architectural design for both the Michigan Union and Michigan League was entrusted to brothers Irving Kane Pond and Allen Bartlit Pond, native Ann Arborites and University of Michigan alumni. Their Chicago-based firm had a noted reputation for designing university unions.
The Genesis of the Michigan Union
The seeds of the Michigan Union were sown in 1904 when over 1,100 male students convened at Waterman Gymnasium for its inaugural meeting. The Union was conceived as an "all-inclusive organization" aimed at fostering unity among men on campus. By 1914, the Michigan Union boasted over 4,000 members, each contributing annual dues of $2.50. To put this into perspective, the 1914 Sears Catalog shows that $2.50 could also buy 36 pairs of socks, two bedspreads or a wooden chair.
In 1907, the Union acquired a permanent home by purchasing the former residence of Judge Thomas M. Cooley, who had served as the dean of the University of Michigan Law School until 1884. However, this original structure was demolished in 1916 to make way for a new, purpose-built Michigan Union.
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The construction of the Michigan Union, designed by Pond and Pond, commenced in 1916, but financial challenges arose due to the war in the spring of 1917, making it difficult to collect pledged funds for the interior. Nevertheless, the Michigan Union opened its doors in 1919, featuring an array of amenities, including a bowling alley, barbershop, billiards room, swimming pool, lodging for visiting alumni, a student eatery, dining rooms, an assembly room, and committee rooms.
The Rise of the Women's League
The story of the Michigan League begins in 1890, when a small group of college women came together to organize female students and establish the Women's League of the University of Michigan. This initiative was partly spurred by a call from the Association of Collegiate Alumnae to provide physical activity options for women, leading to the designation of Waterman Gym as women-only in the mornings, starting in 1894.
Recognizing the need for a dedicated space for women, the Women's League committed $12,000 to $14,000 in 1921 to kickstart a building project. Mary B. Henderson, Secretary of the Alumnae Council, played a pivotal role by seeking approval from the Regents to raise $1,000,000 for a women's building, allocating $750,000 for construction and $250,000 for an endowment.
The fundraising efforts were diverse and resourceful. Women sold handkerchiefs, Betty Bead chains, pleated lampshades, baked goods, soap, and even bricks. They organized rummage sales, card parties, bazaars, and concerts, and offered life memberships to the League for $50.
The cornerstone for the Michigan League was laid in 1928, encapsulating memorabilia that chronicled the history of the Women's League's founding. President Clarence C. Little remarked that "the visualization of human ideals often takes the form of bricks and mortar while the ideal itself, spiritual in origin and eternal in duration, uses the building so created to enlighten the lives of thousands of people… It will have been dedicated to the building of character and friendship."
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The Michigan League: A Space of Their Own
The Michigan League opened in 1929, offering a haven for female students seeking a space of their own. For the first few decades, it served as a hub for women's activities, including drama classes and performances at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theater, meetings of the Women's Research Club, and casual gatherings. It also became a popular venue for weddings, with receptions held in the banquet rooms and outdoor ceremonies in the garden.
However, in 1930, the university assumed control of the space from the Women's League due to funding constraints. Nevertheless, the League continued to host information sessions for female students, disseminating pamphlets on college etiquette, and showcasing exhibits from visiting professors, artists, and other special guests.
Ethel Hussey, wife of astronomy professor William J. Hussey, played a pivotal role in advocating for women's rights on campus. She recognized the intellectual, social, and athletic limitations faced by female students due to the lack of a dedicated space for them. Her advocacy led to the formation of the "Women's League of the U. of M." in October 1890, where she was elected as the first president.
Hussey also championed the establishment of Martha Cook and Helen Newberry Residence Halls, spearheading donation campaigns and marketing efforts. Although she passed away in 1915 before seeing her vision fully realized, her efforts laid the groundwork for future progress.
Mary Bartron Henderson, a U-M alumna and executive secretary of the Alumnae Council, continued the fight for a women's building. She tirelessly campaigned for the construction of the Michigan League, raising funds through various means, including student-led initiatives and donations from wealthy alumni.
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Evolution and Integration
Over time, the roles of the Michigan Union and Michigan League evolved. In 1956, the rules restricting women's entry into the Union were lifted, allowing them to enter through any door without a male escort. By the 1960s, the rise of sororities, campus groups, and the Student Activities Building lessened the need for female-only spaces. In 1965, the Union and the League merged administratively, marking the end of the League's exclusive status as a female-only space.
Notable Events and Transformations
Throughout their history, the Michigan Union and Michigan League have hosted numerous significant events and undergone transformations to meet the changing needs of the university community.
On October 14, 1960, Democratic presidential nominee John F. Kennedy stayed overnight at the Michigan Union, drawing a crowd of students who eagerly awaited his arrival. In 1962, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered two speeches at Hill Auditorium, addressing "Moral Issues in Discrimination" and "The Future of Integration." He also attended a luncheon at the Michigan Union Anderson Room, engaging in discussions with students.
In 1965, Pierpont Commons opened on North Campus, providing a dining and gathering space for the growing North Campus community. Renovations in 2013 and 2014 transformed the Pierpont Commons Cafe into a state-of-the-art dining experience, incorporating sustainable design principles.
In 2016, the University Board of Regents approved an extensive renovation of the Michigan Union, incorporating input from students, alumni, and staff to honor the building's historic integrity while upgrading its infrastructure and technology. The renovation began in April 2018 and lasted for 20 months.
In September 2018, Maizie's Kitchen and Market opened at the Michigan League, offering a variety of food options and creating a bright and inviting space.
The Modern Era
Following the Michigan Union's renovation, which aimed to restore and reactivate the building while preserving its historic character, the landmark reopened with updated spaces, including the collaborative IdeaHub, year-round courtyard, South Lounge, and Willis Ward Lounge.
Today, the Michigan League continues to host seminars, guest lectures, university theater productions, and other campus events. It also houses Maizie's Kitchen and Market, providing a convenient dining option for students.
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