1940-1949

Unless otherwise noted, the date indicates when the building opened. Follow the link to learn more about the history of a building or architect.

1941

  • Dads' Gates were dedicated in January.
  • The December 7, 1941, attack by Japan on Pearl Harbor provoked the US to declare war and engage in WWII.
  • Quonset huts arrive on campus.

1943

  • The Southern Pacific Railroad began running on relocated tracks, on the north side of Franklin Blvd.

1945

  • Enrollment for fall term jumped 47% to 2,453 compared to 1,664 in 1944. A major housing and classroom space shortage resulted. Parts of Gerlinger and Villard were remodeled to provide housing. Fraternities started to reopen.
  • Erb Memorial Union. Architect: Lawrence & Lawrence. Design work begins; carried forward by Lawrence, Tucker, and Wallmann.

1946

  • Ellis F. Lawrence dies on Feb. 17 at Collier House. He had a room in Collier House from 1942 until his death.
  • Physical Plant Shops. (Cascade Annex). Architect: Ellis F. Lawrence.
  • Trailers and prefab housing arrive to accommodate post-war demands.

1947

  • Columbia (Columbia St.) and Amazon (22nd and Patterson) housing projects are created for married students.
  • Emerald Hall arrives.
  • Marion Dean Ross arrived at UO to teach the history of architecture. Ross became one of the first scholars to document Oregon's architectural history. Ross was a principal founder of the regional chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in Eugene, in 2004. In 1992 Ross left a bequest of over one million dollars for a library acquisitions which is used today to buy rare architectural books.
  • Veterans Memorial Dorms I and II are constructed.

1948

  • A surplus in the state budget motivated UO to develop and seek approval of a long-range building program. By 1948/49, enrollment was over 6,000.
  • Central Power Plant. Engineer: J. Donald Kroeker (Portland).
  • Music Building south addition. Architect: Wick, Hilgers and Scott.

1949

  • Carson Hall. Architect: Lawrence, Tucker, and Wallmann.
  • University Theater (now called Robinson Theater). Architect: Annand and Kennedy (Portland).