Postcard of Loyola University

Loyola University was first established in 1902 in the heart of downtown New Orleans, Louisiana. As the college grew in popularity, the amount of students enrolled quickly began to rise and more buildings were built such as the Marquette Hall that is still standing today. On July 10th, 1912, the governor officially changed the name of the college to Loyola University and the rest was history. The college expanded throughout the decades and finalized its main specialty schools, one of them being the college of law and legal studies, which has impacted future generation.

The image above shows Loyola University focal architecture that shows the intricate and detailed structure that Loyola University is known for. On the back of the photograph, there is the photographer's information as well as a short summary of why the picture was taken. The following was detailed on the picture:

"The superb gothic architecture of this Jesuit Institution, which is one of the outstanding features of New Orleans educational equipment, faces Audubon park. Photo by Franck." and "Photographs from New Orleans Association of Commerce National Advertising Committee (Credit preferred but optional)."

I chose this photo for the opportunity to discuss the architecture that the photographer Franck chose to represent the university. According to The Cultural Landscape Foundation, the architectural style that was primarily used for the campus is Tudor-Gothic style structures. This style is the mix between Tudor or a style of architecture that is two-toned with a combination of Renaissance and Gothic design elements and the traditional Gothic design, which places a value on height and intricate design principles such as churches and cathedrals. With this in mind, the photographer chose a perfect example of a structure to represent the whole of Loyola University.

Architecture on the Loyola University campus is predominantly of the Tudor-Gothic style. Within New Orleans, the architecture resembles the French style design with many iron gating and Fleur-de-lis symbolizing the French ancestry. The different shades of color within the windows give the structure a contrast of load bearing or structural beams with the more decorative walls and beams. The main building in the center is surrounded by two opposing buildings with the same style of exterior design. With gothic peaks, sharp ledges, and arched windows, the university design within the photo creates an intimidating exterior structure for new students.

Not only does the picture show the buildings, it has a lot of open space for the students to gather. Most likely, the grassy area in the middle of the quad is where student organizations meet, intramural gatherings are held, or just relaxing with homework in the grass. The architecture of the structural layout with the quad being open creates a unified student environment that was found throughout the design process and impacted the final composition of Loyola University. While the image is simple to the eye, the details within the image and the cultural significance to the surrounding area creates a more significant biography than simply a photograph of Loyola University.

If you have questions about this item, contact Lorraine Stuart at or 601.266.4117. Materials can be viewed in Special Collections located in McCain Library & Archives room 305. The library is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Written by Jordan Jones, architectural engineering technology major.

**Items of the Month featured in 2023 and part of the 2024 will be the work of Southern Miss students who took HON 303, a sophomore seminar held in Fall 2022 focusing on archives and special collections.