Ohio Union - History

History

The first Ohio Union was located in Enarson Hall in 1910. The union remained at this location until 1951. The university was able to get funding for the Ohio Union through the 77th Ohio General Assembly. $75,000 was used for the construction of the building. The building was officially named the "Ohio Union" on October 29, 1909 and was opened in 1910. After the building opened the student council created a board that would overlook all the activities and events going on in the union. Building maintenance fees were charged to only male students because female students enrolled at Ohio State were only allowed one day out of the week to use the union on "Ladies Day." In 1913 Edward S. Drake was hired in as the manager of the union. During that time Drake spent the majority of his time involved in student organizations such as Phi Sigma Kappa, Romophos, Bucket and Dipper, Spinx, and the Ohio Staters. The Union was also very dedicated and committed to the construction of the Ohio Stadium. In 1921 during the building of the stadium the union offered the second floor to the building committee of the stadium so they would have a relaxed, clean atmosphere to work in, as they had promised to do everything they could in the success of the building process of the stadium. Also, during WWI the Ohio Union served as a hall and recreational center for quartered troops who lived on campus. Since then, the union has been moved to a different location, but now Enarson Hall is now where Undergraduate Admissions and First Year Experience offices are located.