Recently, the University of St. Thomas Archives was given a scrapbook compiled by St. Thomas Military Academy (STMA) graduate, Victor O’Malley.  A native of Waunakee, WI, Victor attended STMA from 1918 to 1920, his junior and senior years in high school.  During his time at there, he was a member of the academy football team and the Cauirdhe na H-Eireann (Friends of Ireland) club.

Victor O’Malley (left) and friend stand next to Foley Theater

His scrapbook gives us a unique view into student life on the College of St. Thomas campus of the time. He collected programs, ticket stubs, soda fountain menus and other memorabilia documenting how he spent his time outside of the classroom.

I’ve been especially intrigued by some of the photos of the neighborhood around campus which are included in the scrapbook.  While the streetcar line no longer runs along Selby Avenue, several of the houses and buildings are still standing in the neighborhood.

 

(left ) Selby-Lake streetcar near the St. Thomas campus

(right ) Store near the corner of Dayton and Cleveland Avenues

For another of view of campus on from the same time period, you can view the short film “A Day at St. Thomas” on YouTube.