On Wednesday the University of Wyoming Union was home to a replica soda fountain as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations.
As part of the celebration students were able to get root beer floats and popsicles as they passed though the union. While the frozen treats were being handed out, pictures of the union back in the early 40s and 50s were on display. The soda fountain was reminiscent of the earlier days in the Union when there was a place to order soda pop, ice cream, and malts in between class.
When deciding what events to put on the Union tenants and staff members were excited to bring back different parts of the past.
“The Union staff and several Union tenants started meeting last spring to plan for the 75th celebration. As a way to embrace the history of the Union the group decided to highlight a few of the special programs and services that used to be offered in the building,” said Associate Director of the Union Kim Zafft. “The photographs of the Union Fountain room and the concept of an old fashioned soda fountain are often people’s favorites.”
“Looking back and seeing pictures of the Union is really cool, it’s weird to see how different this place was,” said UW student Kelsey Vadner.
The Union Fountain was a service in the Wyoming Union when it was built in 1939 until the facility was renovated and expanded in 1959, said Zafft.
“It made sense to start our historical celebration with a recreation of the Union Fountain room,” said Associate Director of the Union Kim Zafft.
The students took a liking to the soda fountain as well.
With the 75th Anniversary of the Union underway many changes can be seen those years have brought with them; just like the soda fountain.
