Norman in Cleveland County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Oklahoma Memorial Union
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 20, 2025
1. Oklahoma Memorial Union Marker, Side One
Inscription.
Oklahoma Memorial Union. . This Union building, along with Memorial Stadium, honors the University of Oklahoma students who died in World War I. In later years, it has honored those who have served their country in all wars and national emergencies. The idea for a student union had been present as early as 1916, but the onset of the war the next year halted planning for it. With the burning of the YMCA building in 1922, however, a new type of facility was needed. In 1925, under President James S. Buchanan, fundraising for the Union building and the football stadium were joined to initiate a $1 million Stadium-Union campaign. In January, 1928, students approved a $2.50 per semester Stadium-Union fee. The Union building was completed in November. , Although it eventually became both popular and successful, the Union suffered many difficulties in its first years. Students began to protest the Stadium-Union fee. In 1931, Senator Hardin Ballard called for an investigation into unfair business practices and gambling at the Union. The only incriminating evidence uncovered was one student's testimony that he had heard another say. I'll bet you a dime I'll put the nine ball in the side pocket. The investigation found no fault in Union practices and stated in its report that the Union is serving a most useful purpose and has answered a great need of the school. Yet this was not the end of the Union's problems. In 1939, Governor Leon C. Phillips, who opposed Ted Beaird, the Union's longtime director, pushed for a fifty-percent cut in the student Union fee, which would have decimated the Union's budget. He was unsuccessful, although a smaller cut was made. , Throughout its history the Union has grown in both size and function. In 1936, the clock tower was added with the help of the Work Projects Administration. Two wings were completed in 1951, the Union Parking Garage was added in 1982, and major renovations and additions were started in 1995. Throughout its history. the Oklahoma Memorial Union has served as a meeting place for students, faculty, parents, and alumni, and has been an important center of campus activity.
This Union building, along with Memorial Stadium, honors the University of Oklahoma students who died in World War I. In later years, it has honored those who have served their country in all wars and national emergencies. The idea for a student union had been present as early as 1916, but the onset of the war the next year halted planning for it. With the burning of the YMCA building in 1922, however, a new type of facility was needed. In 1925, under President James S. Buchanan, fundraising for the Union building and the football stadium were joined to initiate a $1 million Stadium-Union campaign. In January, 1928, students approved a $2.50 per semester Stadium-Union fee. The Union building was completed in November.
Although it eventually became both popular and successful, the Union suffered many difficulties in its first years. Students began to protest the Stadium-Union fee. In 1931, Senator Hardin Ballard called for an investigation into unfair business practices and gambling at the Union. The only incriminating evidence uncovered was one student's testimony that he had heard another say. I'll bet you a dime I'll
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put the nine ball in the side pocket. The investigation found no fault in Union practices and stated in its report that the Union is serving a most useful purpose and has answered a great need of the school. Yet this was not the end of the Union's problems. In 1939, Governor Leon C. Phillips, who opposed Ted Beaird, the Union's longtime director, pushed for a fifty-percent cut in the student Union fee, which would have decimated the Union's budget. He was unsuccessful, although a smaller cut was made.
Throughout its history the Union has grown in both size and function. In 1936, the clock tower was added with the help of the Work Projects Administration. Two wings were completed in 1951, the Union Parking Garage was added in 1982, and major renovations and additions were started in 1995. Throughout its history. the Oklahoma Memorial Union has served as a meeting place for students, faculty, parents, and alumni, and has been an important center of campus activity.
Erected by The University of Oklahoma.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 20, 2025
2. Oklahoma Memorial Union Marker, Side Two
in the University of Oklahoma series list. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1928.
Location. 35° 12.56′ N, 97° 26.638′ W. Marker is in Norman, Oklahoma, in Cleveland County. It is on Asp Avenue south of Felgar Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 900 Asp Ave, Norman OK 73019, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Oklahoma Frontier Country and in Greater Oklahoma City. It is also in the American South, specifically on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 92 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on July 12, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
