About the Collection
The Southern Methodist University Campus Memories digital collection contains a wide variety of photos, texts, and videos of SMU during all phases of its history. Students, faculty, presidents, staff, visitors, and campus buildings and events are represented in the images and documents.
Although classes at SMU started in September 1915, photographs of the Hilltop depict events that took place even before classes started. For example, included are images of Dallas Hall under construction and during its building dedication.
SMU has a rich tradition of recording its history through photographs. Many of the photographs were taken by SMU staff or Laughead Photographers for publicity purposes. Ronald C. Knickerbocker, the first director of publicity, was hired in 1931. Mr. “Knick” (as he was known) served as the official SMU photographer for many years, and took many of the aerial views from the early decades.
Also included in the digital collection are five digitized films, 1939-1950. The films document the student newspaper, homecoming, campus ground and aerial views, and other events.
Please note that SMU archivists and library staff have described or given dates for most of the photographs using available information. Please contact us if you can provide additional details.
![[The 'Dinkey' Streetcar]](/-/media/site/libraries/digital-collections/bim/bim_landing_new_dinkey.jpg?h=400&iar=0&w=600&hash=02CB6FC13551F2150C1EA330ADE42499)