Sunbursts on the Lake
The History of the Terrace and its Iconic Chairs
The Memorial Union Terrace opened for its first full season in 1929, and students flocked to the Terrace to lounge on rustic hickory chairs and enjoy the lakefront. But the rustic wood chairs quickly began to wear and tear in the harsh Wisconsin winters.
In the 1930s, the wood chairs were replaced with metal counterparts, constructed with sunburst-like designs. By the 1960s and '70s, the sparse furnishings gave way to a busy center of socialization and relaxation. Metal tables were added along with with steps to the water, new paved seating, walkways, and a live music stage.
In the 1980s, the iconic chair was patented and produced in Oregon, Wis. The sunshine yellow, John Deere green and Allis Chalmers orange chairs represent the seasons of spring, summer and fall, while also paying homage to Wisconsin's farming traditions. The Terrace chair has become a campus icon, representing decades of summers along the lake.
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The Original Terrace
1929 – The original Memorial Union Terrace with Lake Mendota featured woven wooden chairs. The boathouse behind the Armory can be seen to the right.
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Drawing Class on the Terrace
ca. 1937-1939 — A drawing class convenes on the wooden chairs on the Terrace to draw a model who is sitting on a table.
Image courtesy of the UW-Madison Archives, #2017s00851.
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Band Concert on the Terrace
1951 – The UW Band gives a concert performance on the Terrace.
Image courtesy of the UW-Madison Archives, #2017s00749.
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Eclectic Terrace Chairs
ca. 1970 - ca. 1973 – A student studies on the Terrace amidst a collection of chairs. It would be another decade before the colorful sunburst chairs were patented and officially replaced the assortment of seating throughout the space.
Image courtesy of the UW-Madison Archives, #2017s00965.
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Terrace 1990s
ca. 1990 – Students enjoy the Terrace deck outside of the cafeteria after the class of 1936 funded its renovation.
Image courtesy of the UW-Madison Archives, #2017s01284.
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Nights on the Terrace
On warm summer nights the Memorial Union Terrace is full of people enjoying the view, getting a bite to eat or drink, and relaxing together.
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Return of the Terrace Chairs
May 2016 – Students and community members celebrate the grand re-opening of the renovated Terrace by carrying out the Terrace sunburst chairs to mark the start of summer.