EXHIBITS
The Built Environment: 130 Years of Growth, Development, and Change on the USU Campus: “Meet Me at the TUB”: Student Facilities at Utah State
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“Meet Me at the TUB”: Student Facilities at Utah State
The college experience has always been part study and part social life. Aggies value their education, but they also enjoy social activities, recreation, relaxation, and taking a break from their studies. USU’s built environment reflects these student needs.
Home Economics/Commons (1935–)
Despite the Great Depression, USAC added some of its most unique structures during the 1930s. Completed in 1935 using federal Public Works Administration (PWA) funds, the Home Economics (Family Life) Building housed the School of Home Economics along with the student newspaper and yearbook offices. It also included a bookstore and cafeteria and served as the campus commons. Considered one of Utah’s finest examples of Art Deco style architecture, the National Park Service listed it on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Temporary Union Building (1945–1952)
In 1945, determined Aggies remodeled the old army mess hall (moved to campus during WWII), transforming it into the Temporary Union Building (or TUB for short). Students danced, sipped Coca-Cola, and listened to the popular music of the day. One student even celebrated the TUB by composing his own rendition of the Andrews Sisters’ “Pistol Packin’ Mama.”
Student Union Building (Taggart Student Center) (1952–)
The Aggies realized their dream of a permanent student center in 1952 when the college relocated most of the remaining livestock barns to accommodate a new Student Union Building (today’s Taggart Student Center). The original facility included a soda fountain, bowling alley, a student health office, bookstore, ballroom, and cafeteria. Named for retiring President Glen L. Taggart, the TSC, after sixty-six years, and several renovations, and additions, still provides students a place for social events, a quick snack, or a nap on one of the many couches.
