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What did a typical college dorm room look like in 1910 at the University of Illinois?
Pennants, not pixelated displays, were a common décor in college dorm rooms in 1910 - Students used vintage pennants to decorate their walls, showcasing their school spirit and affiliations.
Low-wattage lighting was used in dorm rooms - To reduce energy consumption, dorm rooms in 1910 were equipped with low-wattage light bulbs, providing a warm and cozy ambiance.
Incandescent light bulbs were the norm - In the early 20th century, incandescent light bulbs were the most common type of lighting, and dorm rooms likely used these to illuminate the space.
Radios were a rare luxury in 1910 dorm rooms - While radios were slowly becoming a popular technology, they were not yet a common fixture in college dorm rooms, making newspapers and magazines a primary source of entertainment.
Kerosene lamps were used as alternate light sources - In case of power outages or frequent light bulb failures, dorm rooms in 1910 might have used kerosene lamps as a backup light source.
Furniture was minimalist and functional - College dorm rooms in the early 20th century typically had simple, sturdy furniture, such as wooden beds, desks, and chairs, designed for practicality and durability.
Shared bathing facilities were common - In the pre-1940s era, shared bathing facilities, such as public baths or community showers, were a norm, making private bathrooms a luxury only available in a few college dorms.
Students decorated with family portraits, high school diplomas, and advertisements - To make their dorm rooms feel more like home, students in 1910 adorned their walls with family portraits, high school diplomas, and advertisements.
Newspapers and magazines were primary sources of entertainment - Without televisions, computers, or smartphones, newspapers and magazines were the primary means of staying informed and entertained for college students in 1910.
Cowden Hall, located at Baylor University, was an early example of a dormitory - The design of Cowden Hall, built around 1910, was influenced by the layout of monasteries and convents, featuring a cloister-like courtyard and walled-off areas.
Decorations were a mix of vintage and collegiate-themed items - Students in 1910 combined vintage items, such as family portraits and advertisements, with collegiate-themed items, like pennants and diplomas, to decorate their dorm rooms.
Roommates shared small, simple spaces - In the early 20th century, dorm rooms were often small and shared by multiple roommates, making personal space a luxury.
Ventilation was a priority in college dorms - With the emphasis on good ventilation and airflow, dorm rooms in 1910 might have featured open windows, operable doors, or fans to circulate air and reduce indoor humidity.
Limited dining options led to communal eating - With limited dining options, many college students in 1910 shared meals in communal dining areas, making mealtimes a social bonding experience.
Campus life was relatively isolated from the surrounding city - In the early 20th century, many college campuses were located in rural or semi-rural areas, making it difficult for students to access urban amenities and making on-campus life a self-contained world.
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