Local History

University City is a community rich in architectural, cultural and social history. UCPL is home to a collection of historical archives relating to the history of University City, including a photograph collection, newspaper clippings, city government archives, and microfilm scans of various historic residential permits (sadly, we do not have blueprints for individual houses).

The Library, in conjunction with the Historical Society of University City and other community members, have digitized some of our heritage. Click the links below to access digitized collections via Missouri Digital Heritage.

The Delmar Loop Photograph Collection — photographs of the Delmar Loop, including buildings, events, and street scenes from throughout the 20th Century

University City Image Collection — Photographs from newspapers, magazines and promotional materials published by Edward Gardner Lewis including the Winner (1899, renamed the Woman’s Magazine in 1902), the Woman’s Farm Journal (1901), the Woman’s National Daily (1906), Beautiful Homes (1909), the St. Louis Star (1909), and the Woman’s National Weekly (1911).

University City Building Permits and Their Applications — digitized scans of historic building permits (1918-1972), and building permit applications (1933-1965) for every home, commercial building and sign constructed in University City, Missouri.

The American Womans’ League and American Woman’s Republic Document Collection is currently being transferred to remotely accessible website. A link to that collection will be included here when available.

University City’s history is constantly changing, however, and you’re invited to help add to the historical archives at UCPL. Click here to learn more about the Library’s oral history project, or contact the Historical Society to learn about ways to donate your historical records and artifacts.