Into the Archives

Meet Chicago's First Disc Jockey - DePaul Alumna Halloween Martin

Meet Chicago's First Disc Jockey - DePaul Alumna Halloween Martin

​This Hallow​een, before you head out to treat or treat or sport your favorite costume, remember the birthday of Chicago's first disc jockey, female alum Halloween Martin. 

Arthur C. Becker: A founding dean and a fight song

Arthur C. Becker: A founding dean and a fight song

In honor of DePaul's 125th anniversary, learn more about Arthur C. Becker, the School of Music's founding dean who composed the university's fight song, "Victory Song."​

Mothers, creative writing and DePaul: The Women, Writing and Incarceration Project

Mothers, creative writing and DePaul: The Women, Writing and Incarceration Project

​​​​The month of May and Mother's Day can be such an uplifting time. For many, it stands as a reminder to show love to biological,... read more

Honoring the legacy of the Rev. John T. Richardson, C.M.

Honoring the legacy of the Rev. John T. Richardson, C.M.

​As the university community prepares for the April 27 services honoring the life of the Rev. John T. Richardson, C.M., DePaul Special Collections and Archives commemorates his life and work through the records held in University Archives and the Vincentian Archives.​

Title IX and the rise of women's athletics at DePaul

Title IX and the rise of women's athletics at DePaul

​March is Women’s History Month; a time to honor the contributions of women everywhere and remember collective struggles towards gender equity and inclusion. This March holds particular significance as 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX.

'The Hawk': Celebrating Black student experiences at DePaul

'The Hawk': Celebrating Black student experiences at DePaul

​​As we honor and celebrate Black History Month, Special Collections and Archives is spotlighting DePaul’s Black student newspaper, "The Hawk." The stories featured in the newspaper are important in their documentation of the experiences and accomplishments of Black students, staff, faculty and alumni.

A New Year's wander through Special Collections and Archives

A New Year's wander through Special Collections and Archives

​Special Collections and Archives has written a ​series of lighthearted New Year's resolution themed pieces over the years. This year's essay highlights stories from SPCA's rare books and archival collections about walking.

Holiday toy drive with Marillac St. Vincent Family Services

Holiday toy drive with Marillac St. Vincent Family Services

​Please join the Library in supporting Marillac St. Vincent Family Services with a holiday donation drive. Marillac House in East Garfield Park is seeking new, unwrapped toys to assist families in providing gifts through the organization's Christmas Store.

The evolution of computer science at DePaul

The evolution of computer science at DePaul

​This year marks two anniversaries for computer science at DePaul. In 1971, the university announced a commitment to the advancement of computer science education, marking the start of a computer science requirement for some majors. In the decade that followed, computer science course offerings expanded and student interest increased, eventually leading to the formal establishment of the Department of Computer Science in 1981. This month, Into the Archives will trace the evolution of computer science at DePaul to recognize these milestones.​

Fifty years ago at DePaul: Student life and culture for the Class of 1971

Fifty years ago at DePaul: Student life and culture for the Class of 1971

​DePaul's annual Alumni & Family Weekend has begun, and many alumni and friends will come together in-person and virtually... read more

Reflecting on The Theatre School and the tenure of Dean John Culbert

Reflecting on The Theatre School and the tenure of Dean John Culbert

​To honor and reflect on the tenure of Theatre School Dean John Culbert upon his retirement, we are highlighting some of the places and people of the school that are documented in DePaul Special Collections and Archives.

To be free from fear: The Berrigan family's call to action

To be free from fear: The Berrigan family's call to action

​​ Special Collections and Archives published its new digital exhibit, “To Be Free From Fear": The Berrigan Family's Call To... read more

Archivist details digital preservation while working from home

Archivist details digital preservation while working from home

​Digital preservation at DePaul Special Collections and Archives has pivoted over the past year, as a reaction to the current circumstances of the pandemic and what is still possible. Without access to our collections, the ability to proactively monitor, assess, and act on the needs of our materials became difficult.

Exploring book arts at DePaul Special Collections and Archives

Exploring book arts at DePaul Special Collections and Archives

When you hear the words “rare books," you may think of old leather bound tomes. What you might not expect to find in DePaul's rare... read more

DeAndreis-Rosati Memorial Archives: 20 years at DePaul

DeAndreis-Rosati Memorial Archives: 20 years at DePaul

​This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the DeAndreis-Rosati Memorial Archives, the records of the Western Province of the Congregation of the Mission, arrival at DePaul.  This essay is the second in a two-part series and shares the experiences of researchers using DRMA materials.​

DeAndreis-Rosati Memorial Archives: 20 years at DePaul

DeAndreis-Rosati Memorial Archives: 20 years at DePaul

​This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the DeAndreis-Rosati Memorial Archives, the records of the Western Province of the Congregation of the Mission, arrival at DePaul. This essay is the first in a two-part series and describes the origins and relocation of the DMRA.

Celebrating the holidays with Dickens

Celebrating the holidays with Dickens

​While the holidays this year will be a little different than previous years, one tradition that will remain the same is the popularity of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Released on Dec. 19, 1843, it sold more than 6,000 copies in the first week, a sign Dickens successfully enchanted readers with his vision of Christmas.

DePaul Documentary Corps: From the classroom into the archives

DePaul Documentary Corps: From the classroom into the archives

​In the winter and spring quarters of 2021, DePaul’s Special Collections and Archives will partner with the HumanitiesX Collaborative on a new internship course, the DePaul Documentary Corps.

Delving into the Vincentiana Collections

Delving into the Vincentiana Collections

​This month's segment of Into the Archives is dedicated to connecting our DePaul community to the resources highlighted in the recently released video, "The Vincentiana Collections."​

Notable commencements in DePaul's history

Notable commencements in DePaul's history

​Every year in June, the DePaul community celebrates commencement to recognize the noteworthy achievements and hard work of its graduating students. While graduation ceremonies are traditionally momentous occasions for those students and their families, this year the celebratory occasion is also marked by a significant moment in human history. ​

From telephone lines to WiFi: The beginnings of remote learning at DePaul

From telephone lines to WiFi: The beginnings of remote learning at DePaul

​Long before DePaul shifted classes online this quarter due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the university was leading the way in remote instruction. In 1958, DePaul awarded one of the nation’s first "online" degrees to Edward J. Fiori, Jr., a student who attended all of his classes remotely.

The Great Zuma: A Mysterious Martian that turned out to be a Blue Demon

The Great Zuma: A Mysterious Martian that turned out to be a Blue Demon

​In 1950, the world of wrestling was introduced to a masked competitor that called himself The Great Zuma. Little did audience members know, the mysterious masked wrestler was a DePaul student and former star boxer for the university.​

Documenting the DePaul community's experience of COVID-19

Documenting the DePaul community's experience of COVID-19

​In an effort to record this significant and unique period in time as it unfolds around us, University Archives is inviting students, staff and faculty to document and share their personal stories from the coronavirus outbreak to preserve them in the archives.

Finding love at the DePaulia

Finding love at the DePaulia

​This February, in honor of the month of love, University Archives is taking a look back at one particular campus romance that led to a walk down the aisle.

The American College of Physical Education and DePaul's 'Diversey Demons'

The American College of Physical Education and DePaul's 'Diversey Demons'

​This January, DePaul’s Special Collections and Archives reflect on the history of physical education at DePaul, including a look at the "Diversey Demons," to perhaps provides a bit of motivation for those who have set goals for a healthier lifestyle in 2020. 

Journey of the Magi: DePaul’s Traveling Stained Glass Windows

Journey of the Magi: DePaul’s Traveling Stained Glass Windows

​From the 1904 World's Fair to a 1970s art exhibit on Clark St., DePaul's "Adoration of the Magi" stained glass windows, now housed in the John T. Richardson Library, are more traveled than one might think. 

Blue Demon basketball in Japan

Blue Demon basketball in Japan

​​In December 1983, Blue Demons filled the Japanese cities of Osaka and Tokyo for a special pair of basketball games. ​The trip not only brought American athletics to Japanese fans, but also provided DePaul students with a cross-cultural experience.

Meet Richard Crowe: DePaul alumnus and ghost hunter

Meet Richard Crowe: DePaul alumnus and ghost hunter

​On Oct. 26, 1973, “The DePaulia” reported a “wild and far out experience” was coming to DePaul courtesy of the DePaul Geographical Society: a ghost tour. Named “Field Trip in Ghastly Geography,” the tour was designed by DePaul alum Richard Crowe. The excursion was not only one of the first ghost tours in Chicago, but also marked the beginning of Crowe’s illustrious career as Chicago’s most famous ghost hunter.​

What's up with the elevators?

What's up with the elevators?

Have you ever seen a jazz ensemble perform in an elevator? For Loop-based DePaul students in the mid-20th century, this, as well as waiting in an elevator line 100-people long, was a common occurrence.​

Hence degrees may be conferred on women: DePaul's first female graduates

Hence degrees may be conferred on women: DePaul's first female graduates

​The close of an academic year provides us an opportunity to look back on graduations from years past. The graduation that took place in June 1912 is notable because it included Sister Mary Clemenza, B.V.M. and Sister Mary Teresita, the first women to graduate from DePaul University. Their graduation was not only a first for DePaul, but also a first for the city of Chicago.​

Operation skyscraper: A history of the Frank J. Lewis Center

Operation skyscraper: A history of the Frank J. Lewis Center

​On Oct. 15, 1955, DePaul received one of the most momentous gifts in its history: ownership of what was then the W.W. Kimball Building. The giver of this gift was Chicago businessman-turned-philanthropist, Frank J. Lewis. The university dedicated the Frank J. Lewis Center on May 2, 1959. Though DePaul has grown tremendously in the 60 years since then, Lewis’ prediction remains true: the Lewis Center has been the home of thousands of diverse students who use what they learn on campus to make an impact in the world.​

Celebrating poets at DePaul

Celebrating poets at DePaul

​April is National Poetry Month, a time to reflect on and celebrate the impact poets and their works have had on the world. The effects of poetry can be found in unexpected places and the DePaul University archives are no exception. By celebrating these writers, DePaul University has continued to show appreciation and support for one of humanity’s most popular art forms.

In Memoriam: John P. Kelly

In Memoriam: John P. Kelly

​On Feb. 14, the DePaul and Lincoln Park communities lost one of their most prominent members: John P. Kelly, the owner of Kelly’s Pub. Kelly was known in the community not only as the owner of Kelly’s Pub, but also as a 36-year veteran of the Chicago Fire Department. While there is no question the place he held in the Lincoln Park community was a momentous one, he also, along with the pub he owned for more than 60 years, has a special place in the history of DePaul.​

DePaul’s All-American: Diana Vines

DePaul’s All-American: Diana Vines

​​On Feb. 14, 1989, DePaul basketball player Diana Vines scored two free throw shots in a game against Valparaiso University. This was not a rare occurrence for Vines. Going into the 1988-89 season, she had scored 398 free throws out of an attempted 557 during her career at DePaul. What made these particular shots remarkable, and what caused the game to grind to a halt for celebration, was what they marked for Vines personally. Upon landing that second free throw shot, Vines became the highest scoring basketball player in DePaul history.​

A Twentieth Century Invitation to Success: The College of Commerce

A Twentieth Century Invitation to Success: The College of Commerce

In December 1912, Chicago CPA John Mahony penned a quick note to the Rev. Daniel J. McHugh, C.M., Treasurer of DePaul University at that time. Though short, the note covered a variety of topics – an enclosed bill, books that would be standard for a commerce library, and how Mahony had multiple people helping him arrange courses at night. Mahony touches on all of these subjects in preparation for a rapidly approaching date - Jan. 6, 1913 - the day classes were set to open in DePaul’s brand new College of Commerce. Read on to learn about how DePaul's College of Business became what it is today.

The coach doctor: Eddie Anderson

The coach doctor: Eddie Anderson

​DePaul’s football team has faded more and more into history as the years have gone by. While the occasional story does cover DePaul’s football team and its demise, specific stories about the coaches and players are told less often. One story is that of the football team’s coach from 1925-31, Edward Anderson. Over his coaching career at four colleges, Anderson amassed a record of 201-128-15, which earned him a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971. However, Anderson’s success as a football coach is only a part of his story. ​

Secretaries and stenos: The Secretarial School

Secretaries and stenos: The Secretarial School

Students looking at the course catalog of DePaul University’s College of Commerce for the 1918-19 academic year would have seen a brand new program appended to the end. The new program listing described the classes in the Shorthand School. Though DePaul’s College of Commerce opened classes in January 1913, this was the first time it offered classes geared specifically towards secretarial and clerical work. Despite its small start, the shorthand program would eventually become the Secretarial College, one of DePaul’s most popular programs over the next four decades.

Fine Neighbors: McCormick Theological Seminary and DePaul University

Fine Neighbors: McCormick Theological Seminary and DePaul University

​As the campus celebrates the grand opening of the Holtschneider Performance Center, it is a fitting time to reflect on the past of this corner of DePaul’s campus. The Holtschneider Performance Center, with its rehearsal spaces and multiple performance halls, is a stunning addition to the School of Music, but many may not know it also is the first building on the corner of Fullerton and Halsted that built. The other buildings on that corner, as well as other well-known buildings on campus, are what remain of the McCormick Theological Seminary.​

How things were in the beginning: The first fall class of St. Vincent’s College

How things were in the beginning: The first fall class of St. Vincent’s College

​On the morning of Sept. 5, 1898, 10 faculty members and roughly 70 students walked into St. Vincent’s College Hall to begin classes for the first time. Now 120 years later, DePaul University still stands as a center for a uniquely urban, Vincentian education. However, the road to this long-standing success was far from easy, and was more than 20 years in the making.​

Meet DePaul alumna: Mabel Landry Staton

Meet DePaul alumna: Mabel Landry Staton

​While DePaul alumna Mabel "Dolly" Landry Staton never officially competed for the university, her accomplishments as a record-breaking long jumper and sprinter in the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland, earned her a place in DePaul's Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011. Read on to learn more about the star athlete who often put her teammates and friendship before her personal success.​

The mythical element bringing students together: Spring festivals at DePaul

The mythical element bringing students together: Spring festivals at DePaul

​As spring arrives and the school year draws to a close, many students will be anticipating FEST, DePaul’s annual spring celebration. Though FEST has been around for more than 30 years, it is not the only spring festival found in the university’s history. Read on to learn about the history of year-end festivals at DePaul.​

Speeches and science fiction: A glimpse at DePaul's past literary organizations

Speeches and science fiction: A glimpse at DePaul's past literary organizations

​April is National Poetry Month, a time dedicated to celebrating poetry in its many forms. An exploration of DePaul's past student poets and poetry publications uncovers a long-enduring history of various student literary groups and publications.​

Play ball! DePaul's place in Chicago sports history

Play ball! DePaul's place in Chicago sports history

​Did you know one of Chicago's Major League Baseball teams once used DePaul's Athletic Field as its stadium for a season? Many have heard this snippet of information relayed on tours at Wrigley Field, but it was not the Chicago Cubs who played at DePaul. Read on to find out how DePaul is connected to Chicago's various sports teams and stadiums. ​

Incarceration exhibit displays DePaul's social justice identity

Incarceration exhibit displays DePaul's social justice identity

​The current exhibit in Special Collections and Archives showcases DePaul's commitment to service and the dignity of every person through a display of items related to incarceration in the United States. Installed in January, "INCARCERATION: Art, Activism & Advocacy" highlights collections and materials from both prisoners and advocates on the outside. ​

DePaul's first president: The Very Reverend Peter V. Byrne, C.M.

DePaul's first president: The Very Reverend Peter V. Byrne, C.M.

​During his ten-year tenure, DePaul's first president, the Very Reverend Peter V. Byrne, C.M., would expand the then St. Vincent's College both physically and academically. These actions led to what would ultimately be the most profound achievement of his tenure: the creation of DePaul University itself.​

A monument in granite, stone and steel: Remembering alumni hall

A monument in granite, stone and steel: Remembering alumni hall

​As DePaul begins a new era in its athletics program with the opening of Wintrust Arena, it is easy to find oneself looking back over the numerous buildings that have served as a home for athletics throughout DePaul's history, such as Alumni Hall. Read on to learn more about why the building still stands out for many alumni.​

Sweet home, Chicago

Sweet home, Chicago

​The band, Chicago, includes some of the university's most prominent alumni: James Pankow, Walter Parazaider and Lee Loughnane. DePaul has always been proud to welcome them home - most recently at the opening of the Wintrust Arena. Read on to learn more about the rock legends and their time at DePaul.​

A fine Vincentian heart: The Rev. Thomas Munster, C.M.

A fine Vincentian heart: The Rev. Thomas Munster, C.M.

​Throughout DePaul's long history, there have been many faculty and staff who have lived the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul. Read the first in a series of profiles about Vincentians at DePaul, featuring the Rev. Thomas Munster, C.M., who dedicated decades of service not only to the university, but also to the Lincoln Park community at large. ​

Presidential gateaux: Welcoming a new president to the DePaul community

Presidential gateaux: Welcoming a new president to the DePaul community

​As DePaul University welcomes another new school year, we will also be welcoming a new President, A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D. In joining the legacy left behind by the university's former leaders, Dr. Esteban also joins a long-standing tradition of inaugural events meant to welcome the new president to the DePaul community.​