Dorm Life

Richard recalls:  Dorm life was crowded but fun.  I do not recall where we got the small table and two chairs, probably at a yard sale and not together but they became a set.  (Editor notes:  nope, other photos support this set was a gift at Christmas, as photos show the girls opening the set and then waiting patiently while Obie Nygaard helped assemble it, at the Menomonee Falls house.  Laura adds that she still has this set at her house in Michigan).

 Richard continues:  The girls bedroom had two Army style bunk beds, dorm furniture and a door that led out to the reception desk.  The desk was staffed by volunteers in the evening and visiting girls were not allowed in the boys room.  (editors note:  we were living in Apache Hall, an all boys dormitory).  But persons on desk duty would often play with Laura and Martha.  I see the date, October 1969, which means we had been in the dorm about 2 months.  Dickie Johnson was one of your favorite resident playmates.   He had not yet succumbed to drugs.

Paper and coloring materials were always available.  Maybe this is where scrapbooking got its start?  (Editor concurs, especially noting the care that Audrey took to write on the back of the photos she sent to her mom, Grandma B.).

Audrey noted on the back of this photo:  this is the doll house that Martha has had so much fun with.
Richard adds:  the Fisher Price house was either brought along or acquired in Arizona and is still in the basement in Holmen.  Other Fisher price toys included the school, air plane and ferris wheel.  And of course there was Mrs. Beasley.  Notice the pajama bag pillow in the background?  It was likely made by either Audrey or Grandma B.  The basket was used as a toy box at times and a clothes basket at other times.  It may still be in the basement.   Wicker parties were the rage and Audrey bought this at one one of these events.

The green cabinet came from Wisconsin too and I do not recall its history but was made by a family member.  I do not recall.  I am sure it made it to Georgia, but there the trail ends.

Laura recalled that the cabinet was indeed made by Uncle Eddie.  Great Uncle Ed Reuter, married to Irene Reuter (cousin of Grandma B.).  Laura also added that the cabinet went through a couple coats of paint through the years and was well loved and enjoyed until Irene R. requested it back.  The reasons of the request are forgotten but it should be noted that one didn't really question requests made from Irene.

This photo is from March 1970.

Audrey noted on the back:  My 2 little helpers.  They get them done.  Not always the cleanest but we don't worry.  

The details on dorm life:  as noted earlier, our first housing in Arizona was at Apache Hall.  It was built in 1957 and was partially refurbished in the 1990s.  It currently is equipped to house 350 residents. This photo is courtesy of University of Arizona's website.   

Richard noted:  On a visit to Tuscon this winter (October 2011-April 2012), I drove by Apache Hall.  The apartment, back door and reserved parking are still there but otherwise it is practically unrecognizable.  The stadium has been built up and closer.  There is a new 5 story addition that wraps the old part and there is a security system on the door and a fence/security station that serves Apache and Santa Cruz dormitories.  It is sort of sad to see the green space gone.