A Stage for All

Bascom Hill Historic District

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 4, 2010

1. A Stage for All Marker

Inscription. Not long after she was denied permission to perform in the D.A.R. Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., because she was African-American, famous singer Marian Anderson found welcome at the University of Wisconsin. She sang at the Memorial Union in 1939, headlining the inaugural season of performances in the Wisconsin Union Theater, the first cultural center to be opened in a university union. Over the years, the theater established itself as a showcase for great performers from all cultures, including such luminaries as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Paul Robeson.

This historic marker is made possible by a grant from the UW Foundation

Erected 2001 by UW Foundation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the University of Wisconsin series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1939.

Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 43° 4.566′ N, 89° 24.028′ W. Marker was in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker was at the intersection of North Park Street and Langdon Street, on the right when

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traveling north on North Park Street. The marker was at the southwest corner of the Memorial Union on the University of Wisconsin campus. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 800 Langdon Street, Madison WI 53706, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Science Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Leaders in Science (within shouting distance of this marker); A Living Room for Campus (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); State Historical Society (about 300 feet away); On the Air (about 400 feet away); Armory & Gymnasium (about 600 feet away); Securing the Future (about 600 feet away); A Grand Experiment (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

More about this marker. This marker is part of a series commemorating the sesquicentennial of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

A Stage for All marker in its new location image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 19, 2015

2. A Stage for All marker in its new location

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 19, 2015

3. A Stage for All Marker

The marker is at the lower left, and the Memorial Union is in the background.

Exterior of the Union Theater image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 4, 2010

4. Exterior of the Union Theater

View from the Deck outside the Union Theater image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 4, 2010

5. View from the Deck outside the Union Theater

The deck overlooks the Union Terrace and Lake Mendota.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 19, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,024 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 5, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on July 16, 2015, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on September 19, 2016, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 4, 5. submitted on July 5, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.