This postcard was postmarked 1978 (not that means anything).
The caption reads:
Entrance
ST. DENNIS HALL
Gymnasium
UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR
Seeing as this is St. Dennis Hall, a gymnasium, and the current St. Dennis Centre located on College Ave. contains a Gym. I’m guessing this was the forerunner? It’s hard to place it, but that looks like the Assumption College building in the rear, so this should be looking west, with Huron Church not far to the rear?
I must admit, I’m not all that familiar with the University of Windsor campus, but I’m assuming this place is long gone right? Likely replaced once the current St. Dennis Centre opened?
Hopefully someone can chime in…
Also thanks for all the feedback on the canals yesterday. It’s nice to know what others think.
It still exists although you have to look for it carefully. It’s at the south end of the Student Center. Access to it is/was restricted as it was usually only open for certain sporting events, either squash or tennis, I can’t remember. At the very back of the main floor of the student center which is/was the ‘smoking section’ there are a series of emergency exit doors opening out into the center. Behind those doors is the gym itself.
MJD is correct–it is integrated into the CAW Student Centre–I believe the sign over the door says something like FACULTY OF EDUCATION GYM–something like that–the southern facade was altered and is the entrance to the University Computer Centre.
Actually, I’m pretty sure the photo is backwards, and where the picture is being taken is with the photographer’s back to what is now the end of Essex Hall, facing northwest. This entrance is now the computer centre facilities, and although there’s a new front entrance slapped on, it’s not that much different. A copy of the 1949 Ambassador (Assumption College Yearbook, complete with ‘right way around’ picture) that came into my possession states that it was built in ’48-’49.
Thanks guys…
Jim G – I think that date is right on. It reminds me of Memorial Hall, which of course is close by…
That looks to me like the education gym, like other people have identified. I’ve only been in there once or twice, to write my statics and dynamics exams.
I must be old, I recognized right away. I remember in the mid 1970’s going there for registration. When people mention “St. Denis”, I still think of this building, not the new complex.
Yes the photo is inverted, In 1984 it was renovated and converted in to the current University Computer centre on the south half and later the north half into a gymnasium for the Faculty of Education. It was constructed in 1915. You can also see the old St. Michaels residence that connected it to assumption Assumption University.
The education gym on campus is in the same location, however, it is not the same gym. The old gym actually took up basically the entire building now housing the computer centre. The old gym had stands to seat somewhere around 1500-2000 and was apparently quite a place to play. At one point druing late 60’s the Lancers had a CIAU record for most consecutive home wins (men’s basketball) and fans would line-up to get inside – at least that’s what my parents tell me.
Someone thought enough to make a postcard of this? It’s a fine building, but we’re not talking about the Empire State Building here, or even Assumption church itself. Was this part of the University utility building postcard series? Ok, I’m a little sarcastic today, but I would be embarrassed to send this postcard to someone. It’s just pretty lame. I mean, it’s not even centered in the frame!
This one is an Albert Kahn design (Job# 665)- he built several structures for Assumption University this is the last one standing- I have forwarded the original elevation plans to Andrew for posting here
Does anybody remember the neat tunnels that connected St. Denis Hall with Dillon Hall and other buildings, you could move around a good part of the campus in the 70’s underground.
You can still see this building poking out actually… as others have said, this is now the “Education Gym” and it’s attached to the southern part of the Student Center.
Urbanrat> The tunnels are completely locked up now, but they obviously still exist. You can see them here: http://mikebeauchamp.com/images/show.php?set=university-tunnels
Mike
Man, how time flies. This place was once a hotbed of sports and entertainment activity. The University would host some of the best high school basketball teams in the province there in an invitational tournament every year in the 60’s. I saw the Butterfield Blues Band and Sam and Dave there, freshman year, ’68.
I remember the tunnels. Very handy. The TD bank was downstairs too. I got my loan for my first car there.
I think I went there to see Harry Chapin way back when.Some time in the late 70,s.I think.Someone out there must know when he played there.I can’t remember the date.I was a great time.He was all by himself and had the people in the palm of his hand.Great music.
Paul Butterfield, Harry Chapin… wow! I’ve heard stories of various acts that played the St. Denis over the years and some of them seem to me just as impressive in the context of their era, if not moreso, than some of the names coming to the Casino now that the media is giving so much attention to. And this was just the humble St. Denis Centre. Nice.
Sam & Dave?! Wow, that’s impressive. I recently purchased the Stax Revue Live in Norway ’67 DVD and was blown away by their performance. That would have been a killer show. Any memories?
The date of the concert of Harry Chapin at the University of Windsor – St. Denis Hall was February 26, 1980 – have the original ticket stubs and the review column from the Windsor Star. Attended the concert and it was super. Just thought I had to set the record straight. Len Dupuis – Windsor, Ontario
I saw Harry Chapin too. It was a fundraiser for a world hunger organization. He didn’t earn a penny for it.
The tunnels were still accessible to use as shortcuts when I was on campus mid-70s… they were extremely creepy, and an uncle of mine was nearly killed when part of one collapsed in 1971. Does anyone recall that incident?
Hubby, myself and a bunch of union folk attended that Feb ’80 Harry Chapin concert at St. Dennis Hall. WOSH helped to organize it.