Navy Ball, 1950

Of principal interest in the Ardis Kuhnen Godeman papers is a binder of what appears to be art class drawing and design exercises along with rapidly-executed sketches, likely a form of record of Northwestern University’s art curriculum of the late 1940s and early 1950s.

Providing more detail on Godeman’s interests and activities are a 1947 issue of The Evanstonian, student newspaper of Evanston Township High School; programs from Sextant Naval Honorary Fraternity’s 1950 Navy Ball; dance cards from the 1950 winter formal sponsored by Delta Kappa Epsilon and Chi Psi fraternities; a circa 1950 map linking Northwestern’s Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity (Deke House) to popular student gathering and drinking establishments; a ticket to a 1947 Senior Hop held at Chicago’s Edgewater Beach Hotel; and drink coupons redeemable at the Spot-Lite Lounge, 3113 North Broadway, in Chicago.

Also found in the collection are some items associated with Arthur Nicholas Kuhnen, Ardis’s father, including a map, circa 1908, relating to Kabekona Camp in the northern Minnesota wilderness, along with printed invitations to a few University of Wisconsin parties, also circa 1908, sponsored by Mr. Kuhnen and a colleague, H.O. King.